Swan flies into power line, catches fire and triggers wildfire

A swan collided with a power line in Haapavesi, northern Finland, igniting a wildfire after the bird caught fire and fell into dry grass, according to emergency services.

North Ostrobothnia Rescue Services received a report on Wednesday evening of a “highly unusual incident” in the Pirnesti area of Haapavesi. Witnesses described seeing the swan fly into the power line, burst into flames upon impact, and set fire to the surrounding dry vegetation as it fell.

Crews arrived to find a medium-sized wildfire covering roughly 10 by 10 metres. Two rescue units quickly contained and extinguished the blaze before it could spread further. The swan died in the accident.

No injuries or additional damage were reported.