2021

About 50% of Forest Fires have been Extinguished in Young Stands

In dry and sunny weather, the risk of fire in forests throughout Latvia is rapidly increasing; moreover, according to the information provided by the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre, an orange-level warning of heat has been announced in the country. JSC “Latvia's State Forests” (LVM) calls on friends of nature to be especially careful in forest and to strictly observe the fire safety requirements in order not to cause a devastating forest fire. In such warm and sunny weather, a forest fire can break out even from the smallest spark.

This year, 62 forest fires with a total fire-affected area of more than 43 hectares have already been extinguished in the forests managed by LVM. About half of the burnt area is covered by young stands.

“The largest forest fire extinguished so far in an area of 7.6 hectares broke out in Svente Forest District of LVM South Latgale Region. Out of all the forest fires that broke out in the territory of LVM, nine fires destroyed an area larger than a hectare. This year, the number of cases of intentional forest burning has increased and in one of such cases it has even been possible to detain the alleged perpetrator,” says Edijs Leišavnieks, LVM Forest Protection and Fire Fighting Manager.

The most common cause of fire accidents is careless handling of fire. Safety requirements must be observed when in forest; any open flame outside specially arranged camp-fire places is strictly prohibited.

It is forbidden to do the following in forests and swamps during the forest fire period:

According to the order of the State Forest Service, a forest fire period has been announced in the country since 26 April.