Since 2 May, a forest fire-hazardous period has been declared throughout the territory of Latvia, during which the State Forest Service has registered and extinguished 106 forest fires. These have burnt through 78 ha of forest land. During the fire-hazardous period, various activities are prohibited while in forests and bogs, for example, driving motor vehicles off-road, and discarding burning or smouldering matches, cigarette butts or other objects.

Each year, the State Forest Service announces the start and end of the fire-hazardous period based on weather conditions. This year, the forest fire-hazardous period began on 2 May, during which the State Forest Service has registered and extinguished 106 forest fires. These have burnt through 78 ha of forest land, of which 20 ha were young stands. In total, there were 208 forest fires in Latvia in 2022, which burnt through 187 ha, of which 65 ha were young stands.

“The beginning of May this year was dry, whereas in the second half of the month there was more precipitation, thus reducing the risk of fire. Compared to the first month of the 2021 fire-hazardous period, more has burnt this year than last. In the first month of the 2021 fire-hazardous period, 48 forest fires were registered with a burnt area of 37 ha, of which 7 ha were young stands,” says Zigmunds Jaunķiķis, Deputy Head of the Forest and Environmental Protection Department of the State Forest Service.

The largest forest fire this year occurred on 22 April in the Ādaži Municipality, burning 52.26 ha. Meanwhile, on 15 May in the Valmiera Municipality, 18.18 ha of forest burnt, mostly young stands.

A large-scale fire can start from a tiny spark, endangering the health and lives of residents, causing damage to the environment, and resulting in significant losses for forest owners. Human thoughtlessness and irresponsible behaviour with fire remains the primary cause of forest fires.

The State Forest Service reminds everyone that when in forests and bogs, it is prohibited to:

• discard burning or smouldering matches, cigarette butts or other objects;

• light campfires, except in specifically designated areas that prevent the fire from spreading beyond that spot;

• leave campfires unattended;

• burn waste;

• drive motor vehicles through forests and bogs off-road;

• perform any other activity that may cause a fire.

Failure to comply with these prohibitions and restrictions may result in administrative, civil or criminal liability.

Forest contractors should note that, starting from 2 May, burning logging residues in felling areas is only permitted with specific written authorisation from the State Forest Service for each instance.

If you notice a forest fire, you must immediately call the unified emergency number 112 and provide the location as precisely as possible!