Before the weekend, the Norwegian Meteorological Institute issued a yellow warning for grass fire danger for Eastern Norway, Telemark and Agder.
– In these areas it has been snow-free for a long time, at the same time as it has been a while since there has been precipitation. Old grass and withered vegetation from last year dries out quickly and retains moisture poorly. Therefore, it will not take more than a couple of rain-free days before there is a danger of grass and heather fires at this time of year.
The meteorologist on duty at the Meteorological Institute, Per Egil Haga, tells Dagbladet.
After several grass fires in these areas over the weekend, the fire service now comes with a clear appeal to everyone who enjoys the spring sun: Use common sense!
We have sent out a yellow warning for grass fire danger in parts of Eastern Norway and Southern Norway. Old grass from last year can easily ignite now, and large areas can be affected. Also reminds of the bonfire ban that came into force yesterday ????️ See more https://t.co/sb4X9as5HV ⚠️ pic.twitter.com/sGtO1wvnGb
– The Meteorologists (@Meteorologists) April 16, 2021
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– Low threshold for calling
The duty manager in the East 110 exchange, Leif Høyland, tells Dagbladet that there is a low threshold for calling the fire service – especially now that it is so dry.
– If you are worried about smoke or flames: Call 110! This also applies in situations where you are unsure of what is really going on. There is a very low threshold for contacting us.
Høyland reminds everyone of the importance of familiarizing yourself with local statutes and regulations before you start grilling or burning bonfires.
– The rules vary from place to place, both due to the risk of spreading and air pollution. That is why it is important to get acquainted with this, he says and adds:
– Be careful in the terrain and use common sense!
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– Start extinguishing
Joachim Rakvåg, duty manager at the 110 exchange South-East, encourages people to assist with extinguishing until the fire brigade arrives.
– The most important thing you do if you come across a grass fire is to call the fire department. Then it is wise to try to get fire extinguisher and try to limit the fire until the crews are in place, he says.
From 15 April to 15 September, there is a general ban on open fires in forests and outlying areas in Norway, with the exception of approved campfire sites.
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Many grass fires – considered evacuation
Sunday has been hectic for the fire service in several places in the country, which, among other things, has led to grass fires in Fredrikstad, Sarpsborg, Agder and Kongsberg.
The situation in Kongsberg was confusing for a long time. Several fires were reported along the train line at Meheiaveien.
– There is a danger of spreading to buildings in the area, the police wrote on Twitter on Sunday afternoon. Forest fire helicopter and water truck assist in extinguishing.
The police first reported that nearby residents were evacuated, but later went back on this.
Also in Western Norway, the fire service has received several reports of fires in vegetation during the weekend.
– In Western Norway, we have in recent days seen an increasing danger of grass fires. We have not yet issued a warning for this area, but it is something we are assessing on an ongoing basis, Haga emphasizes.
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– Not unusual
It is not uncommon for the Norwegian Meteorological Institute to send out danger warnings about grass and forest fires at this time of year.
– There are often dry periods in the first spring months, and we therefore often send out danger warnings before the new vegetation has begun to grow.
The meteorologist says that there will be a fire hazard in the coming days.
– It seems that the danger warning will also apply on Monday and Tuesday. On Wednesday we get a weather change that brings with it precipitation and colder temperatures, which will probably lead to fewer grass fires.
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