Jokkmokk

A new contagious skin disease in horses has been confirmed in Sweden after two cases (in Norrbotten and Jönköping) tested positive for equine parapoxvirus, causing blisters and round sores on the legs. Authorities say the current risk of further spread is low, but the virus can also infect humans and hygiene precautions are advised.

Lightning strikes from passing thunderclouds have ignited forest fires in several inland municipalities in Norrbotten County, Sweden, prompting rescue services to work to extinguish them.

A sleepy Lapland fire station is calling in help from all corners to fight the unprecedented wildfires sweeping the region.

A 250-hectare lightning-caused wildfire continues to burn in remote forest near Lillselet in Jokkmokk, with firefighters unable to extinguish it until rainfall arrives.