The ongoing drought is causing problems for Prague: a warning of increased fire risk, which was originally due to remain in force only until midnight today, has been extended. As a result, the strict precautionary measures in the Czech capital will also remain in place for the time being.
The ongoing dry conditions continue to create an increased fire risk in Prague. The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (Český hydrometeorologický ústav | ČHMÚ) has therefore extended a warning of increased fire danger for the area of the Czech capital, which was originally valid until midnight today. The corresponding measures will now remain in force until Tuesday, 5 May, midnight.
As the City of Prague announced, the regulation prohibiting the lighting of fires in areas with an increased fire risk also remains in force. The affected areas include forests and their surroundings within a distance of up to 50 metres, parks, forest parks, gardens, dry vegetation areas and agricultural land with easily flammable vegetation.
During the period of the warning, several activities are prohibited in these areas. These include in particular lighting or maintaining open fires, smoking – with the exception of e-cigarettes – the use of pyrotechnic items, as well as the use of other potential ignition sources such as sky lanterns, torches or flying lanterns.
The disposal of glowing or burning objects is also prohibited. Steam locomotives may only operate with appropriate safety measures in place. In addition, fire-fighting water from designated water sources may not be used for other purposes.
In exceptional cases, open fires may still be permitted at these high-risk locations. According to the regulation, this requires, among other things, a prior risk assessment by the organiser or operator, notification of the fire brigade control centre, and the presence of a fire brigade unit during the event.
