– The ground, soil and heather are very dry, says Hans-Peter Sørem, head of duty at Tromsø fire and rescue. It has rained little over a long period, and now the temperatures will also be high. The meteorologists have issued a forest fire warning in large parts of northern Norway. – It catches fire incredibly quickly, warns Sørem. This is how the father develops from Tuesday to Wednesday. In the far south, the risk of forest fire is small. Photo: DSB Two forest fire helicopters have been put on standby in Alta and Narvik. DSB’s forest fire danger index shows that there is a great risk of forest fire, even completely out on the coast. Ban on lighting fires There have been several forest fires in Norway this summer. This week the temperature is expected to reach 25 degrees in Troms, Nordland and Finnmark. In Telegrafbukta in Tromsø, several people have taken the trip out to enjoy the fine weather. There is also acting fire chief Joakim Pedersen. He quickly sees a disposable grill standing on the ground. It is seen on the tiny metal stand that comes with it. Even if the single-use grill is placed on a stand, the ground is dry, and it can therefore catch fire. Photo: Marita Andersen / news – Here the single-use grill should have been on top of some rocks to protect the vegetation below, says Pedersen. Colleague Sørem asks people to be careful. – If you intend to do something with grilling, you should definitely stock up on water, and make sure that everything is soaked when you’re done. But it is actually forbidden to start a fire. Firefighter Hans-Peter Sørem warns people who are going out for a walk in the next few days. Photo: Privat In Norway, bonfires are generally prohibited between 15 April and 15 September. Facts about campfire bans In Norway, there is a general campfire ban from 15 April to 15 September. During this period, it is forbidden to light fires and barbecues in or near forests and open fields. Although there is a general fire ban, you are allowed to light a fire where it is obvious that it cannot start a fire. This could be, for example, if there is snow on the ground, or if it has been raining for a long time. You can also barbecue on the beach at a good distance from forest and vegetation and on prepared barbecue and bonfire sites that have been approved by the municipality. Always check which rules apply to your municipality before lighting a fire. Tips for safe bonfires: Take forest fire risk and wind conditions into account It is always the person who burns the bonfire who is responsible for fire safety. It should be an adult, sober person who is responsible for the fire. The fire must be at a good distance from buildings and vegetation. It is not allowed to burn a fire on rocky ground. The fire must not be bigger than you have control over it and can put it out if necessary. Have suitable extinguishing agents readily available It is forbidden to burn plastic, building materials and other rubbish. When you leave the campfire, the campfire must be completely extinguished Source: DSB and Tromsø fire and rescue Your beer bottle can start fires As the drought is now, fires can also be started without lighting a fire. It is actually enough to forget soft drinks, beer bottles or other glass items that are lying in the sun. Broken beer bottles can start fires if they lie on dry ground such as grass. Photo: Gisle Jørgensen / news – It’s like a magnifying glass. The sun’s rays are concentrated on dry ground, so it can quickly catch fire. We have had examples of that in the past. People have to take their rubbish with them, advises Sørem. The last time there was significant rain in Tromsø was 25 June. It was still only a modest 6.4 millimeters. Dry in Telegrafbukta in Tromsø. Photo: Marita Andersen / news And it will be dry and hot in the north for one more week. – It is a bit unusual that there is such a long drought, but that we get such weather situations as we have now with little rainfall, it happens all the time, says on-duty meteorologist Per Egil Haga.
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Forest fire danger in the north – glass bottles can start fires – news Troms and Finnmark
