Peat fire breaks out in Kupiškis district, residents advised to stay indoors

A large peat fire has broken out in the Šepeta bog in Lithuania’s Kupiškis district, with firefighters deploying nine tanker trucks to contain the blaze, the State Fire and Rescue Service reported Monday.

Emergency crews responded at 1:23 PM after smoke was spotted near Bukėnai village. Upon arrival, firefighters confirmed the fire was burning across the Šepeta peatland, which covers 50 hectares. By late afternoon, preliminary estimates suggested around 15 hectares were actively burning.

Authorities have warned of potential air pollution from the fire. In an advisory, the Environmental Protection Agency urged residents to avoid outdoor activities, keep windows closed, and monitor official updates. “Due to the fire in Šepeta bog, air pollution is possible. We recommend staying indoors and closing windows,” the alert stated.

Firefighting operations are ongoing.