Metsähallitus changes fireplaces in deserted huts because hikers misuse them

Metsähallitus plans to close the hatches of all lower chimneys in order to improve fire safety.

Metsähallitus urges caution and care in the hiking areas. There are various stoves, fireplaces and saunas in use at the campsites, and hikers should check their condition and characteristics before using them.

According to a Metsähallitus press release, it sometimes becomes aware of situations where firewood has been placed in the fireplace incorrectly. In some stoves, there is a lower compartment under the actual firebox where combustible material must not be placed. However, it has been possible to place the logs in a compartment under the firebox.

The most recent case was in March in Keminmaa, where the floor of the Kivalo desert hut burned under a stove. Hikers who arrived on the scene spotted the smouldering floor and used snow to extinguish the fire.

The purpose of Metsähallitus is to permanently close the hatches of lower -box fireplaces so that they no longer pose fire risks.

For safety reasons, nature services have had to disable fireplaces or completely close the sheaths. There are about 300 huts in Lapland.

For example, the Karhunjomalampi day hut in Pyhä-Luosto National Park was closed when a camping stove explode occurred in the cottage. For the sake of fire safety reasons, the Kirakkajoki River Tupus, Kittilä’s Pyhävasa desert, and the sauna of the Lemmenjoki National Park in Lemmenjoki National Park are also closed, for fire safety reasons.

Moderation and vigilance

In its announcement, Metsähallitus recalls that, especially during the winter season, the huts do not warm up in an instant, as the structures have collected moisture. With heating, you should be patient.

A reasonable amount of firewood is placed at a time, and the chimney function must be ensured.

Deployed equipment or clothing should not be dried near the fireplace as they may ignite.