The blaze spread quickly across dry vegetation, fanned by open terrain and winds typical of the region. Early reports indicate that between 30 and 40 hectares of pasture and open fields have already been affected near Highway 33, in the area between Tiszafüred and Kócsújfalu.

The fire also reached nearby reed beds, raising concerns for the park’s fragile wetland ecosystems. However, authorities confirmed that although the flames threatened grazing areas and several livestock, a local cattle farm in the vicinity was successfully protected, and the animals were moved to safety in time.

Due to the fire’s rapid spread and shifting directions, multiple fire brigades have been deployed to the scene.

Professional units from several surrounding towns were joined by municipal firefighters from Egyek, as well as volunteer firefighters from Bábolna, all working to contain the blaze and prevent further expansion into protected habitats.

Hortobágy National Park, often referred to as the heart of the Hungarian Great Plain, is Central Europe’s largest continuous natural grassland and a key refuge for rare bird species and traditional pastoral farming.

Authorities are continuing firefighting operations, and the cause of the fire which has not yet been determined.

- See video below for more about Hortobágy, home to Central Europe's largest steppe.

- see video below for more about Hortobágy, home to Central Europe's largest steppe.

MTI Stock Photo

Source: MTI – Hungary’s national news agency since 1881.

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