This year, more than 100 forest fires with over 60 hectares of total fire-affected area have been eliminated in the forests managed by the state forest manager “Latvijas valsts meži” (LVM), according to information on the LVM website.
Among them, the largest number of forest fires was registered in LVM South Latgale region this year – 28, while in Zemgale region – 22 fires. The largest forest fire extinguished so far in the area of 9.3 hectares has been registered in the South Latgale region.
The most common causes of fire accidents are people’s careless handling of fire. This year, 11 cases of forest fire have been registered. About one third of the burned area is young stands – pine and spruce plantations, which have been purposefully grown to obtain a quality forest for future generations.
LVM urges pedestrians in the forest to be especially careful and cautious and to strictly observe the established fire safety requirements. “We remind you that the forest must strictly comply with fire safety requirements and it is forbidden to create any open flame outside the specially installed campfire places. We remember that currently the forest is dry and a devastating forest fire can start even from the smallest spark, ”explains Edijs Leišavnieks, LVM’s forest protection and firefighting manager.
LVM reminds that according to the information provided by the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Center, the high heat will continue over the weekend, so nature lovers are invited to be especially careful in the forest and strictly follow the established fire safety requirements to avoid a devastating forest fire.
While staying in forests and swamps, it is forbidden to drop burning or burning matches, smoke or other objects, light fires (except for specially installed places that prevent the spread of fire outside this place), as well as leave fires unattended and burn waste, LVM reminds.
It is also forbidden to drive motor vehicles through forests and swamps off the roads, to perform any other activity that may cause a fire.
LETA has already reported that LVM manages a total of 1.6 million hectares of forest land.
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