This summer, 47 forest fires were recorded in areas managed by the municipal company 'Rīgas Meži', with 35 hectares of forest and young stands destroyed. In comparison, forest fires occurred 65 times in the Pierīga region throughout the entirety of last year, destroying slightly more than 19 hectares. Although the spread of fire was successfully contained overall, the risk of fire remains high, and members of the public are urged to behave responsibly.

For 'Rīgas Meži' this year, the most dangerous and destructive fire was the Garkalne forest fire, which burned through an area of 21 hectares. According to initial estimates, the financial losses amount to several hundred thousand euros, as not only mature forest was destroyed but also 16 hectares of young stands. Due to strong winds, a crown fire broke out in the Garkalne forest, and this type of fire, where the tops of trees burn at heights of several dozen metres, is extremely difficult to extinguish. The fire is highly intense, with charred tree branches flying through the air, creating new ignition points upon landing, and the fire spreads very rapidly. During the Garkalne fire, the flames came extremely close to residential buildings—within approximately 70 metres. With the help of counter-firing, State Forest Service (VMD) firefighting specialists managed to save 4 hectares of young stands from the flames. The fire was successfully brought under control through the involvement and cooperation of several services—specialists from the VMD, the State Fire and Rescue Service, and 'Rīgas Meži'.