Plzeň Region extends fire ban until August 15 due to drought

The Plzeň Region (Plzeňský kraj) has prolonged its fire‑ban, originally set to end on 6 August, by nine days to 15 August because of a prolonged dry spell and high fire risk. Regional governor Kamal Farhan (ANO) announced the extension after the fire rescue service requested it. On the Wednesday before the decision, firefighters responded to more than 20 separate fires in forests, fields and meadows.

The emergency order applies to forest stands and their 50‑metre surroundings, forest parks, public parks, hay and straw stores within 100 metres, and agricultural fields prone to ignition. It prohibits lighting or maintaining fires, smoking (except electronic cigarettes), use of pyrotechnics, lanterns, steam locomotives and motor vehicles off public roads. Harvesting equipment must be fitted with spark‑arrestors and carry a portable water or foam extinguisher of at least nine litres. For areas larger than 50 ha, the land must be divided into sections no larger than 30 ha before harvesting can continue.