2020

Guard the Forest from Fire!

In dry and sunny weather, the fire risk in the forests throughout Latvia is rapidly increasing. JSC “Latvia's State Forests” (LVM) calls on friends of nature to be especially careful in the forest and to strictly observe the established fire safety requirements in order not to cause a devastating forest fire.

This year, more than a hundred forest fires with a total fire-affected area of more than 60 hectares have been eliminated in the forests managed by LVM. A third of the burnt area was covered by young stands – pine and spruce plantations, which have been purposefully grown to obtain high-quality forest for future generations.

This year, the largest number of forest fires was registered in LVM South Latgale region – 28 fires, followed by 22 fires in Zemgale region. The largest forest fire extinguished so far in an area of 9.3 ha was registered in South Latgale region. The most common cause of fire accidents is careless handling of fire. This year, 11 cases of arson-caused forest fire have also been registered in the country.

“Fire safety requirements must be strictly observed when in forest and any open flame outside specially arranged camp-fire places is prohibited. Please remember that currently forests are dry and even the smallest spark can start a devastating forest fire,” tells Edijs Leišavnieks, LVM Forest Protection and Fire Fighting Manager.

LVM urges people to be especially careful and cautious when in forest and to strictly observe the established fire safety requirements.

In forests and marshes, it is prohibited to: