Govt warns against Midsummer bonfires

The interior ministry on Tuesday reminded people that it is always prohibited to light a bonfire when the Finnish Meteorological Institute has issued a forest fire or grass fire warning.

No exception will be granted for lighting bonfires this year, said a government press release.

Every year, Midsummer bonfires lead to forest fires. Most of the fires are due to poor preparations or carelessness.

In addition, bonfires may not be lit, if, because of drought, wind or other reasons, the conditions are such that there is a manifest risk of a forest fire, grass fire or other fire.

Regional rescue authorities may also, on reasonable grounds, prohibit the making of open fires in their rescue service regions or parts of them for a specific period of time.

The interior ministry urged people to check the latest fire warnings for forest fires or grass fires in the area from a local weather forecast or from the website of the Finnish Meteorological Institute.

If there are no forest or grass fire warnings in the area, people should exercise special caution in the lighting of bonfires. Lighting a bonfire on someone else’s land requires permission from the landowner.