Fire in Bohemian Switzerland National Park still not under control

Over 400 firefighters are battling against a massive fire in the Bohemian Switzerland National Park for the fourth day now. The fire has already ravaged over 1,000 hectares of forestland and fire crews are primarily trying to prevent new outbursts and protect the evacuated villages of Mezná, Mezní Louka and Vysoká Lípa. An estimated 450 people have had to leave their homes. Forestry workers have started felling trees in order to contain the blaze.

Large areas of the park have been closed off and the park’s management is to decide today whether to close the entire park to visitors. Many roads in the vicinity as well as the Hřensko border crossing have been closed in order to facilitate the rescue effort.