Forest fire danger, Forest fires | The danger warning is increasing: – People must be aware and vigilant

The fire chief is Morten Meen Gallefos, officially he has the title fire and rescue chief in Grenland fire and rescue IKS.

He is speaking on the basis of the State Administrator in Vestfold and Telemark’s latest message:

“Forest fire season 2024. Prevention of forest fires is important! Here comes a reminder to the general public and forestry professionals.”

Man-made

– The message from the state administrator and central authorities is based on the fact that there may now be a risk of fire in forests and outback. There can be local variations and conditions, heat and drought can lead to the risk of forest fires, says Meen Gallefos.

He adds:

– Most forest fires are man-made and that is why the information is so important to prevent just such incidents.

Some forest fire danger

– How is the forest fire danger in Telemark as of today?

– In Telemark, there is a green and yellow level on the warning, which means there is a risk of forest fire. In the warning, this is designated as: Indicates some risk of forest fire until rainfall occurs.

More calls

– Have you made any special observations?

– No special observations, but we notice a slight increase in calls to fires in forests and outback as well as in vegetation. We are now preparing for these days with exercises and preparation of forest fire equipment and skills development.

– What do you know about summer – wet or dry?

– There have been reports of a dry summer and that the fire service must be prepared for this.

– Special dangers – train sparks, fire, lightning or other?

– People generally need to be aware and vigilant, the public are our best ambassadors for preventing fires, but also through notifying early if they detect fire or smoke.

The fire chief adds that windy conditions can occur which mean that a fire can easily get out of control and thus have major consequences.

– The vast majority are smart and take precautions, but we do not want anyone to take risks and therefore release this information now.

Forest fire helicopter

The state administrator states that it is important to avoid the use of fire or other things “that can cause sparks” and refers to the forest fire danger index and the index “which describes moisture in vegetation with roots in the top soil layer, e.g. grass and heather”.

The Fire Act is included, and in this the forest owner can be ordered to stand guard if there has been a forest fire.

For its part, the Directorate for Social Security and Preparedness (DSB) has published forest fire information. An example: “The state’s forest fire helicopter is normally on standby from 15 April to 15 August. DSB continuously monitors the risk of forest fires and puts more helicopters on standby if necessary.”

The State Administrator is concerned with thunderstorms and lightning strikes:

“Lightning strikes at the same time as the risk of forest fire increase the risk of a forest fire starting up. Even if it rains, the forest can still easily catch fire when it has been dry for a long period. A lightning strike that ignites a forest can potentially establish a smoldering fire in the forest floor. Therefore, pay extra attention for a period after a lightning strike in your forest.”