Large wildfire breaks out in Belarus, raising air pollution concerns in Lithuania

A major wildfire has erupted in Belarus near the Lithuanian border, with smoke visible in southern Lithuania and warnings issued over increased air pollution, state broadcaster LRT reports.

Lithuanian firefighters are monitoring the blaze, which preliminary reports describe as a large grass and forest fire. Smoke plumes have been observed near the village of Senovė in Varėna district, with residents in the area and the nearby town of Druskininkai advised to take precautions.

The Fire Protection and Rescue Department confirmed it has no direct cooperation with Belarusian authorities on information exchange, leaving the fire’s exact size and affected area unclear.

Lithuania’s National Public Health Centre (NVSC) warned that the fires in Belarus may elevate particulate pollution levels, particularly in southern Lithuania, with a strong smell of burning reported. Residents are advised to:

• Minimise time outdoors, especially vulnerable groups (children, elderly, and those with chronic illnesses)
• Keep windows and doors closed
• Use damp cleaning methods to reduce indoor dust
• Avoid intense outdoor physical activity