Wildfire in Belarus contained before spreading to Lithuania

A grass and forest floor fire that broke out in Belarus near the Lithuanian border has been prevented from spreading into Lithuanian territory, the country’s Fire Protection and Rescue Department (PAGD) reported on Saturday.

According to the department, the fire began on Saturday evening in Belarus’s border zone near the village of Senovė but did not cross into Lithuania. Emergency responders, including firefighters and forestry workers, remain on high alert in the area to monitor the situation.

While flames briefly reached Lithuanian soil overnight, they were quickly contained and extinguished. Authorities maintain a 3.5-kilometre surveillance perimeter along the border, with crews ready to respond to any flare-ups. As of Monday, no major risks have been detected, though isolated small fires continue to be promptly suppressed.

Smoke from the blaze has drifted into parts of Lithuania, prompting warnings to residents in Varėna district over potential air pollution. Locals were advised via mobile alerts to stay indoors, close windows, and share the information with neighbours. Meteorological conditions will determine further smoke dispersion, though rain forecast in the coming days may aid firefighting efforts in Belarus.

Residents are urged to follow earlier safety recommendations and stay updated through official channels.