s Despite preventive measures, grass fires remain a pressing issue that requires public attention and responsible action.
Statistics & tendencies
In recent years, Latvia has seen a positive tendency – the number of grass fires is decreasing. In 2024, 440 grass fires were registered, the lowest figure in the last fifteen years. However, these numbers do not indicate that the problem has been eradicated. As the weather warms up, grass burning incidents rise again – more than 200 fires have already been extinguished in 2025.
The Dangers of Grass Burning
Grass burning poses several serious risks:
- Threat to lives and property: Uncontrolled flames can spread rapidly, endangering buildings, vehicles, and people. For example, in March 2025, a grass fire in Gulbene municipality spread to two farm buildings, completely destroying them over an area of 165 m².
- Damage to the environment and biodiversity: Flames destroy plants, insects, small animals, and bird nests, disrupting the balance of ecosystems.
- Deterioration of air quality: The burning process releases large amounts of smoke and harmful substances, negatively affecting health and the surrounding environment.
Legal Consequences and Penalties
In Latvia, grass burning is a punishable offense. According to the Fire Safety and Firefighting Law individuals can be fined from €280 to €700 for such violations. For failing to maintain areas, which contributes to the formation of grass, individuals face fines from €30 to €280, while legal entities face fines from €280 to €1400.
Preventive Measures
To prevent grass fires, residents and municipalities should take the following actions:
- Area maintenance: Regular mowing of grass and removal of flammable waste, especially in autumn, to prevent the formation of grass in spring
- Public education: Informing residents about the dangers of grass burning and its consequences to promote responsible attitudes towards the environment.
- Municipal involvement: Implementing and controlling area maintenance requirements to prevent the accumulation of grass.
Impact of Grass Fires on Forests
Grass fires often escalate into forest fires, causing significant damage:
- Destruction of forest stands: Fires destroy large forest areas, which take decades to restore. For example, the 2018 Valdgale fire destroyed extensive forest areas, causing substantial losses
- Reduction of biodiversity: Flames destroy habitats of many species, leading to population declines.
- Soil degradation: Fire destroys the organic layer of soil, reducing its fertility and increasing the risk of erosion.
Actions in Case of a Grass Fire
If you notice a grass fire, immediately call the State Fire and Rescue Service at 112, providing the exact location. Self-extinguishing is only permissible if it does not pose a threat to health and life.
BALTU KOKS Calls to Protect Forests
Forests are the heritage left by our ancestors, forming the beauty of Latvia’s nature and the strength of the nation. Grass fires threaten this wealth, destroying young seedlings and forest ecosystems, which take decades to restore. We are all responsible for ensuring that our children and grandchildren inherit green, vibrant forests, not scorched landscapes.
Forests are not only our pride and natural wealth but also the backbone of Latvia’s economy, providing thousands of jobs and promoting the country’s growth. We urge everyone to be responsible – let’s protect, safeguard, and respect our forests! Only together can we ensure that this natural treasure lives on for future generations.
