Forest fire warnings reduce wildfires
Forest fire. Photo: Juho AaltoFinland has traditionally taken seriously the task of preventing wildfires. The Finnish Meteorological Institute issues forest fire and grass fire warnings, as mandated by law. When a forest fire or grass fire warning is in force, it is forbidden to make open fires.
The Rescue Act specifies that open fires must not be made while the warning is in force, and therefore doing so is a criminal act. Open fires may never be made without the landowner's permission, so for example a permit from the city government is needed for land owned by the city. The rescue authorities may also prohibit the making of open fires even if there is no forest fire or grass fire warning in place.
You should always take special care when dealing with open fires. The person who lights the fire is always the one responsible for the fire. Even very gentle winds always increase the possibility of the fire spreading.
There are three different awareness level of forest fire warnings (yellow, orange and red) and one for grass fire warnings. They all refer in law to the same thing.
What is an open fire?
Open fires include
campfires
disposable grills and similar lightweight grills and fireplaces that are placed directly on the ground and can easily be knocked over by the wind
other similar use of fire in which the fire can possibly spread either through the ground or through sparks.
Where can I find this information?
Current forest fire warnings are shown on the Finnish Meteorological Institute's website and in the Institute’s weather application. They are always updated at 6 am, and if necessary, at other times as well. The warnings are given by region. In northern Finland, warnings are also given for specific municipalities.
In spring, when the new vegetation is not yet extensive, grass fire warnings are issued. After the start of the growing season, the period for forest fire warnings begins.
