Summer is fast approaching and so is barbecue season. However, it’s not just grilling anyway.
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News24 have talked to Björn Westerdahl who is head of communications at Greater Stockholm’s fire service about how different types of fire bans work and about who decides on fire bans.
– The first thing to do is check whether there is a fire ban or not. The fire bans are assessed based on the fire risk, Westerdahl tells Nyheter24.
Earlier in the spring, a new law on fire bans created debate. A new EU law prohibiting people from setting fire in their garden came into force at the turn of the year. Debris such as leaves, rice or other garden waste must instead be left at the nearest recycling centre.
Björn Westerdahl, communications manager at Greater Stockholm’s fire service. Photo: Jonas Nyström. They decide when there will be a fire ban
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But the fact that there is usually a fire ban during the summer is nothing new.
– Right now (May 2024, editor’s note) there is no fire ban in Stockholm. If we see that it is very dry outside and if we judge that there will continue to be a high fire risk, we recommend a fire ban.
It is not the fire service that has the final say in the decision on a fire ban, says Westerdahl. The decision is made in consultation with several different authorities and organisations.
– It is the county board that makes that decision on our advice and from forecasts from SMHI.
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Two different types of fire bans
What fewer people may know is that there are different types of fire bans during the summer. These are determined by how dry it is outside.
– If there is a fire ban, you are not allowed to set fire or grill in the forest and land, says Westerdahl and continues:
– If, on the other hand, there is a strict fire ban, you may not grill at all in your yard or nature.
In the event of a strict fire ban, the ban also applies to bathing areas and public places.
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