Forest Fire Risk Increases with Rising Temperatures
In connection with rising air temperatures, the National Forestry Agency of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture once again urges the public to exercise extreme caution when moving through state forest areas and to adhere to forest fire safety regulations. The risk of forest fires increases significantly during the summer period, with human negligence being the primary cause of fires in most cases.
'Particularly during peak tourist season, staff from regional forestry services actively patrol state forest territories and share relevant recommendations with visitors to minimize forest fire risks. According to statistics, human negligence is cited as the leading cause of forest fires. To raise public awareness, we have conducted numerous information campaigns, and it is crucial to follow the guidelines issued regarding picnic and campfire setup to reduce fire risks to a minimum,' stated Data Kobakhidze, Head of the Forest Care and Restoration Department.
For the purpose of forest fire prevention, information and warning signs have been installed across the country in high-risk and high-traffic tourist areas. Via QR codes, visitors can review the rules for safe movement in forests, as well as the requirements concerning picnic spot arrangements and lighting campfires.
The National Forestry Agency reminds citizens that making fires within state forest territories is strictly prohibited under tree canopies, in young coniferous stands, in old burnt-over areas, damaged forest sections, logging sites uncleared of harvesting residue, timber storage points, as well as on peatlands and dry grass areas. On other forest grounds, lighting campfires is permissible only on a designated cleared clearing/platform that is cleared of easily flammable materials-such as hay, dry grass, leaves, and brushwood-within a radius of at least 1.5 meters from the hearth.
As a reminder, under the Code of Administrative Offenses of Georgia, violating forest fire safety requirements that leads to a fire or its spread incurs a fine ranging from GEL 300 to GEL 500. Furthermore, in cases of forest fires caused by negligence, the law provides for imprisonment for a term of four to eight years.
