Lithuania faces high forest fire risk at start of week

Lithuania’s State Forest Service (VMU) has warned of a high risk of forest fires across much of the country on Monday and Tuesday, with the highest fire danger level—category IV—expected in many regions, LRT.lt reports.

The warning follows a long weekend that saw 16 forest fires break out, burning nearly 6.5 hectares of woodland. The majority occurred in the Šalčininkai regional division, according to VMU data. Since the start of the year, Lithuania has recorded 50 forest fires covering 14.4 hectares, including 4.9 hectares of private forests.

The largest blaze this year struck Jūrava forest district in Jurbarkas region, where a high-voltage power line failure ignited 2.1 hectares of forest. Authorities attribute most fires to careless behavior by visitors, including discarded cigarettes, unsupervised campfires, and broken glass left in wooded areas.

Forestry officials urge the public to drive only on designated roads, avoid leaving litter, and extinguish campfires completely. While rain is forecast, meteorologists say it will not be enough to reduce fire risks significantly. Residents are reminded that small fires can be smothered with branches, dirt, or water, but larger blazes should be reported immediately to emergency services (112) or local foresters.

VMU maintains a nationwide fire prevention system, including surveillance, firebreaks, access roads, and water sources, alongside public awareness campaigns.