The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (CHMI) recently issued a fire hazard warning, prompting the Prague City Council to take immediate action to ensure the safety of residents and protect the city’s natural areas. In response to the alert, the council implemented a regulation prohibiting the ignition of fires in high-risk areas, effective as of 12 o’clock on May 26th.

To disseminate information and ensure compliance, the Prague City Council has displayed detailed instructions regarding the ban on fire ignition on its official notice board. This ban will remain in effect until further notice, with its duration likely dependent on the validity of the meteorologist’s warning and the prevailing fire risk conditions.

Designated high-risk areas include forested regions and their surroundings within a 50-meter radius. This prohibition also extends to forest parks, public parks, and private gardens, recognizing the potential for fire spread in these vegetative settings. Furthermore, storage facilities for hay and straw, as well as their immediate surroundings within a distance of 50 meters, are also subject to the ban.

The Prague City Council, in accordance with Regulation No. 6/2019, has explicitly outlined the activities prohibited during this fire ignition ban. Such activities include the ignition and maintenance of fires, smoking (with the exception of electronic cigarettes), use of pyrotechnics, releasing lanterns, lighting torches, and handling other flammable materials. The regulation also emphasizes the prohibition of discarding smoldering objects like cigarette butts, which pose a potential fire hazard.

In addition, steam locomotives will be prohibited from operating unless adequate measures are in place to prevent fire outbreaks. Furthermore, using water from firefighting sources for purposes other than fire suppression is strictly forbidden to ensure an adequate supply of water in the event of an emergency.

The Prague City Council urges all residents and visitors to exercise caution and comply with the fire ignition ban to prevent wildfires and protect the city’s natural environment. Violations of the ban may result in penalties and legal consequences.

Local authorities will continue to monitor the fire hazard situation closely and provide regular updates to the public regarding the duration of the ban and any changes in the high-risk areas. It is essential for everyone to remain vigilant, cooperate with authorities, and prioritize fire safety measures during this period of increased fire risk.

Article by Prague Forum