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Starting from 1 May, the State Forest Service has set a forest fire period throughout the territory of Latvia.

Starting from 1 May, the State Forest Service has set a forest fire period throughout the territory of Latvia. JSC “Latvia's State Forests” (LVM) calls on holidaymakers and those performing economic activity to act responsibly in the forest and to comply with the requirements of fire safety regulations.

With the arrival of warmer and drier weather, fire danger in the forest gradually increases, as the upper layer of the soil dries out. Deliberate, unintentional, or careless handling of fire is the most common cause of forest fires.

“In 2022, a total of 110 forest fires were extinguished in the territory managed by LVM, affecting a total forest area of 45.6 ha, while this year, until the day of the declaration of the forest fire period, six forest fires have already broken out in the territory managed by LVM, affecting a forest area of 0.8 ha,” says Edijs Leišavnieks, LVM Forest Protection and Fire Fighting Manager.

In forests and marshes it is prohibited to:

• Make an open flame in the forest and swamps,
• Drop burning or smouldering matches, cigarette butts or other items;
• Light a fire outside LVM recreation areas where a special fire place is provided, as well as leave fire unattended,
• Drive motor vehicles in forests and marshes off the road;
• Perform any other activities that may cause a fire.

If you notice a forest fire, call the emergency number 112 or the State Forest Service immediately, indicating the location as accurately as possible!