Nine out of ten forest fires are due to human activity. Often there is carelessness, like burning and barbecuing. The only natural cause of forest fire is lightning.
– Even if there is a little rain, there can still be grass and forest fire hazards. In the summer, the vegetation dries up quickly. It’s easy to forget when the weather is a little cooler and grayer, says Elisabeth S. Aarsæther, Director of the Directorate for Social Security and Emergency Planning (DSB).
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Fire danger in large parts of the country
Five forest fire helicopters are on standby, and the Directorate is closely monitoring the situation and assessing capacity over the summer. At short notice, helicopters can be moved to areas where the fire danger is greatest.
The forest and heather fire danger in the north is expected to continue, given that there is no more rainfall than the forecast.
In southern Norway, hopefully the rain this weekend will help, but there can still be areas with little rainfall where there is a great forest fire danger, DSB writes in an update on Monday.
To do this in the event of a forest fire:
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– All fires must be notified as soon as possible to emergency number 110.
– In the initial phase, most forest fires can be extinguished with simple means.
– While waiting for help, you can start the fire work yourself, but do not take any chances.
– Get out of the area before the flames surround you.
How to extinguish forest fire
– Break or cut a small hardwood of about two meters.
– Remove twigs from the bottom until you are left with a tassel at the top.
– Don’t beat, but try to brush the flames back.
– You can also use sand or blankets to try to stifle the flames.
– If water and buckets are available, you just need to clean up.
(Source: Directorate for Social Security and Preparedness)
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– It is important that people show common sense
So far this year, almost 500 grass fires and 240 forest fires have taken place in this country. Only during the weekend have forest helicopters been deployed in Bergen, Sigdal, Oppdal, Namsos and Snåsa.
– It is important that people show common sense, listen to the fire chief and do not throw away cigarette butts, light bonfires or use disposable barbecue in the forest. Instead, bring sausages on a thermos or packed lunch when you go on a trip, says Aarsæther.
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Flight clubs, farmers and volunteers help
The forest fire helicopter is on standby throughout the summer, and additional helicopters are deployed if needed. In addition, many municipalities cooperate with local aviation clubs that operate surveillance.
– The Civil Defense also assists with crews and equipment. Local farmers, forest owners and volunteers are also an invaluable resource in forest fires. They know the landscape, the forest and are good partners, says Aarsæther.
The goal of using a helicopter is to knock down the flames and provide a basis for extinguishing the ground, taking the flanks and preventing further spread. Helicopters are also used to move personnel and equipment into the terrain, as well as for observation. It is on the ground the fire is mostly extinguished, and it is crucial that there are well-organized ground forces.
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