Lapland Rescue Service reminds: open fires are prohibited during a wildfire warning

Several wildfires in Lapland at the turn of the week have kept the rescue services busy.

The Lapland Rescue Service reminds citizens that open fires are prohibited during a wildfire warning.

A wildfire warning was in effect on Monday in Meri-Lap and Tornionlaakso, Kolari, Rovaniemi and Kemijärvi. In many municipalities, the warning is still in force on Tuesday.

Wildfires typically occur in the spring, when dry grass is exposed under the snow. This spring is no exception.

Over the weekend, the rescue service was employed by fires that originated from the burning and transport of twigs.

Today, Monday, there were three incidents. At Ylitornio, the fire, which has spread to the dry field near Pessalompolo, originated from the spark caused by the vehicle.

In the village of Rovaniemi Narcaka, the sausage roasting fires spread to the nearby terrain due to the wind and threatened the cottage. However, as the wind turned, the cottage was saved by damage.

At Ounasrinne, Rovaniemi, one fire also started with children’s activities. The bystanders had almost turned off the fire before the rescue service arrived.

The Lapland Rescue Department appeals to people so that they always check the current wildfire warning situation on the Finnish Meteorological Institute’s website.