2019

Rain does not Reduce the High Risk of Forest Fires

Heat returned to Latvia last weekend, resulting in increased drought and fire hazards in forests. Despite this week's rainfall in some regions, the fire threat remains, therefore JSC “Latvia's State Forests” (LVM) reminds everyone to avoid any open flames in the forest or in its immediate vicinity.

The biggest forest fires last week set out in LVM South Latgale and Zemgale regions. On 19 May, a forest in Zemgale region burned in two places - near Olaine and Kandava. This year, the largest forest area, over 60 ha, has burnt out in Olaine, and 11 ha in Kandava.

“In both places, fire-fighting operations are still continuing despite the rainfall. Fire extinguishing work in Olaine is hampered by the marshy terrain and a thick peat layer, but in Kandava extinguishing works cannot be started, because war ammunition explodes in the burning area,” says Edmunds Linde, Head of LVM Silviculture Planning.

In cooperation with specialists of the National Armed Forces, a zone has been set in the forest, which the firefighters must not approach, as shells continue to explode. The area of the burning forest is located in a place where it is bounded by roads on three sides, which is a natural obstacle to the further spread of the flame, while on the fourth side there is a firebreak, which was expanded using LVM special machinery. In addition, a 20-metre wide strip along the firebreak was treated with water to reduce the risk of further fire spreading.

The video fragment captures the explosion of a shell (1 min. 41 sec).

LVM reminds to be very careful in the forest with fire! Remember that during this high-risk period it is forbidden to make bonfires outside the specially designed areas, to drop burning matches, cigarette butts, to drive mechanical motor vehicles outside the roads, because each match, burning cigarette butt or engine spark can potentially cause a big misfortune!

In forests and marshes it is prohibited:

By 21 May this year, the State Forest Service had registered 598 forest fires with a total area of 455 hectares, including 162 hectares of young forest stands.