Fire ban issued in Norrbotten

A fire ban is currently in force in Norrbotten County. Significant risk of fire prevails. A fire ban means that it is forbidden to light open fires and to barbecue in the forest and on open land.

Tulentekokielto voimassa!

Generelles Feuerverbot in ganz Norrbotten.

The fire ban applies from July 17th, 8 AM and until further notice.

What does the fire ban mean?

It is prohibited

• to light fires or barbecue outdoors in forests, open land, or areas so close to forests that fire can easily spread there.
• You may not use combustible materials such as firewood, charcoal, briquettes, grass, brushwood, or branches for fires or barbecuing.

It is allowed

• to barbecue in your own garden, in inner courtyards, and on shared yards in residential buildings with multiple units. This only applies in areas where houses and buildings are next to each other or are separated only by a road, street, or parkland.
• to barbecue at permanently prepared barbecue areas. A permanent barbecue area is a place constructed specifically for grilling, clearly marked off with materials such as concrete rings or stone. It must also be surrounded by a wide surface area of gravel or other fireproof material.
• to use camping stoves, storm kitchens, or similar devices, as long as they are placed on fireproof surfaces such as stone, gravel, or sand.

You should also avoid:

• smoking in forests and open land
• working with machinery in forests and open land that may cause sparks or overheating (e.g. chainsaws, mowing equipment, soil preparation machines, etc.)

When using camping kitchens/open-air cookers, the following measures must be taken:

• There must be no fuel on the outside of the burner cup and the open-air cooker must be securely placed so that it stays firm on a surface that cannot burn, that is, on stones, gravel or sand.
• Additional water must be in reach so that in case of fire, extinguishing can occur immediately. It is advisable to cook food near a stream, lake or similar water source.
• Before leaving the place, secure that there is no heat left on the ground. A fire can occur after using the camping kitchen.