Lithuania's State Forest Service warns of heightened forest fire risk

The State Forest Service (VMU) has warned that hot weather is increasing the risk of forest fires across Lithuania. While large fires are currently raging in Southern Europe – Spain, France, Italy and Greece – the fire danger in Lithuania remains elevated, with the national fire‑danger rating at class III and a 10‑30 % chance of new ignitions.

As of 30 July, VMU recorded 92 forest fires covering 45.98 ha, an average of 0.50 ha per fire, and responded to more than 410 fire‑report calls. The typical fire season runs from April to September, but weather conditions could extend it. VMU officials say most Lithuanian fires are caused by human negligence – unattended campfires, discarded cigarettes, and burning of vegetation waste – rather than natural events such as lightning.

Additional fire‑spread risk comes from leftover windbreaks and deadwood, which dry and ignite easily. To mitigate this, VMU crews are clearing windbreaks, removing about 44,300 m³ of timber this year. The agency stresses that prevention and rapid response remain essential to protect forests and nearby communities.