(Avisa Oslo): On Wednesday came the year’s first danger warning for fire danger in Eastern Norway. Dry grass and dead vegetation can start large fires, the meteorologists warn.
– In areas where the snow has melted, there is a great risk of grass and heather fires. Vegetation can easily ignite and very large areas can be affected, write the meteorologists at X.
On their website, they warn of local grass and heather fire danger in snow-free areas until there is significant rain or until new vegetation grows up. Already on Saturday, a grass fire broke out in central Oslo.
They also remind of the general campfire ban, which came into effect already on 15 April
Dry in the capital
– It has been a while since there has been proper rainfall. In the last 30 days, there has been little rainfall in the Oslo area. Some days there has been around 6-7 millimetres, but it is not very much. The last time it rained properly was on 16 March, says meteorologist on duty, Marit Berger.
In other words, it’s dry in the city and you have to be careful. Nevertheless, it will vary from place to place how long it has been since the snow retreated.
– The weather is now forecast to be somewhat variable in the future and there will be local precipitation in some places, but it will dry quickly.
Berger says that some rainfall has been reported both tomorrow, Friday and at the weekend, but that it is uncertain how much will come.
– The heat reported next week can also speed up the growth of new vegetation in nature. It can help reduce the risk of fire.
– Surely only a matter of time
– The first things that tend to occur in the spring are grass and heather fires more than forest fires, says communications manager Sigurd Dalen at the Fire and Rescue Service.
He says the agency has not received reports of significant fires in and around the city until now, but that you have to be careful about the dry vegetation.
– All dead material is dry and it is now visible. It dries quickly and burns well, so be aware of it. Do not leave the disposable grill anywhere. It is important at this time before it gets really green. That is why the bonfire ban applies so early here in Eastern Norway.
He encourages the public to exercise caution and points out that the bonfire ban is a sign that the nature around us needs extra caution at this time.
– It has been calm until now, but it will probably only be a matter of time before we receive reports of fires, he says.
Tags: Hazard warning Oslo Sends danger warnings matter time receive reports fires
