2018

Fire Risk Remains High in State Forests

Currently three large forest fires are being extinguished in the area managed by JSC "Latvia's State Forests" (LVM): in Ramata Rural Territory, in Sala Rural Territory, and the largest territory damaged by fire in the recent years – in Stikli (near Talsi).

"The most intensive fire-fighting works are currently taking place in Ramata Rural Territory and Stikli Rural Territory, where there are marshes burning and the works are extremely complicated, since it is difficult to access the burning marsh area, and the nature of burning is very specific," says Mārtiņš Gūtmanis, Director LVM Silviculture.

At present, about 100 people are involved in extinguishing forest fires, of them more than half are professional fire-fighters. Employees of the State Forest Service, LVM as well as voluntary fire-fighters are involved in the fire-fighting works. Support is also provided by Estonian colleagues who, using an amphibian, measured the area of fire, which exceeded 200 hectares.

"LVM staff are present at the site at all times; we have arranged an excavator, which we will try to get closer to the fire line, once the trees are cut. We have been in contact with Mazsalaca City Council to organise the supply of water to the people involved in the fire-fighting works. We are trying to keep in touch with the City Council and, if necessary, provide any support," says Vilmārs Katkovskis, LVM Rietumvidzeme Regional Forest Management Planning Manager.

"We also receive remarkable support in the fire-fighting works from our company's partners that perform felling works to ensure access to the site of fire and to provide a safe perimeter; they are also helping us with water supplies and do a variety of other works that helps both to limit and extinguish the forest fire. Helicopters with water bags give invaluable support in fighting forest fires in places with difficult access," continues Mārtiņš Gūtmanis.

Given the future weather forecasts, LVM reminds you to be very careful with fire when in forests! Remember that during this high-risk period it is forbidden to make bonfires outside the specially designed areas, to drop burning matches, fog-ends, to drive mechanical motor vehicles outside the roads, because each match, each burning fog-end or engine spark can potentially cause a big misfortune!