In Latvia, the forest fire-free period will begin on Friday, May 3, according to the information published by the State Forest Service (VMD) in the official publication “Latvijas vīstnesis”.
The forest fire-free period determines prohibitions and restrictions for all residents. Administrative, civil and criminal liability may be applied for non-compliance.
In order to reduce the chances of a forest fire, all residents, while staying in forests and swamps during the fire-free period, are prohibited from dropping burning or smoldering matches, cigarette butts or other objects, lighting bonfires, except in specially designed places that do not allow fire to spread outside of this place, leaving bonfires unattended , burn garbage, drive motor vehicles through the forest and swamp off-road, or perform any other activity that may cause a fire.
Also, it is forbidden to carry out any burning that creates smoke without coordination with the nearest forestry of VMD, as it can mislead the attendants of the fire observation towers.
During the fire-free period of the forest, cutting residues may be burned in the felling area only with the written permission of the forester of the VMD.
At the same time, the owners of the forest must ensure that the forest roads and tracks are freed from fallen trees and bushes, so that, if necessary, it is possible for forest fire engines to move freely.
Also, the owner of the forest should know that after the elimination of the forest fire in his forest, it is the responsibility of the owner to monitor the site of the forest fire.
VMD monitors compliance with forest management, hunting and nature protection regulations, as well as implements forest fire protection.
Photo: Freepik; illustrative
