Wildfire season has begun: check warnings currently in effect before lighting an open fire
This year, the wildfire warning season began earlier than usual: typically, the Finnish Meteorological Institute issues the first wildfire warnings around mid-April. Last year, the first warning was issued to the Åland Islands already on 20 March.
In spring, the warnings are based on assessments of dry grass moisture. On sunny and windy days, dry grass dries very quickly, but even light rainfall will reduce its flammability.
“There is always uncertainty in forecasts, and it is important to check the current warnings before lighting an open fire,” emphasises Meteorologist Tuomo Bergman from the Finnish Meteorological Institute.
Open fires are forbidden when the warning is in force
When a wildfire warning is in force, it is forbidden to light an open fire. An open fire refers to a campfire or other similar use of fire, in which the fire may get out of control, either along the ground or as flying sparks. In addition to campfires, disposable grills, for example, are also considered open fires. The prohibition applies to all three levels of wildfire warnings, yellow, orange and red.
Wildfire warnings are day-specific and can be issued five days in advance. The probability of large and rapidly progressing wildfires increases with orange and red level warnings.
The Finnish Meteorological Institute issues wildfire warnings by region, in the north, by municipality. However, the conditions vary greatly locally, and the person lighting the fire is always responsible for the safe use and extinguishing of the fire. The majority of wildfires are caused by human activity.
“Over the past decades, large wildfires have been rare in Finland compared to neighbouring countries. This is due to many factors, starting with forest management, but in favourable conditions, very large fires are also possible in Finland,” says Bergman.
The wildfire warnings in effect can be easily checked on the website of the Finnish Meteorological Institute and on the Warnings tab of the weather application.
Further information:
About open fire definitions and regulations (Rescue Services)
Weather forecasts from the meteorologist on duty 24 h/day tel. 0600 1 0600 (€3.90/min + local call charge)
