Norway reports significant decrease in forest fires despite increased rainfall

Despite experiencing significantly increased rainfall over the past few summers, Norway has reported a notable reduction in the number of forest fires this year. From January 1 to July 22, 2024, there have been a total of 604 grass and forest fires, a decrease of 538 compared to the same period in 2023, according to fire statistics from the Directorate for Civil Protection and Emergency Planning (DSB). Historical data shows that in 2022, there were 1,065 fires during this timeframe, and previous years also recorded high numbers: 836 in 2021, 769 in 2020, 671 in 2019, 1,644 in 2018, 938 in 2017, and 868 in 2016.

In Bergen and Oslo, measurements indicate that April, May, and June in 2024 experienced substantially higher rainfall compared to 2023. The regions of Western and Eastern Norway have also seen fewer forest fires this year than last year. Oslo recorded 44 fewer fires, while the Westland area had 37 fewer.

Only three counties have experienced an increase in fires compared to last year. Møre and Romsdal saw three additional incidents, while Nordland and Trøndelag reported increases of 33 and 38, respectively. The most significant decrease occurred in Agder, which had 152 fires in 2023, but only 44 this year. Akershus also experienced a dramatic drop from 134 fires last year to just 47 this year.

Here is a breakdown of forest fires by county in 2024 compared to 2023:

– Oslo: 24 (68)
– Rogaland: 81 (92)
– Møre and Romsdal: 26 (23)
– Nordland: 54 (21)
– Østfold: 29 (97)
– Akershus: 47 (134)
– Buskerud: 26 (78)
– Innlandet: 74 (162)
– Vestfold: 6 (54)
– Telemark: 19 (47)
– Agder: 44 (152)
– Vestland: 77 (114)
– Trøndelag: 82 (44)
– Troms: 8 (26)
– Finnmark: 7 (30)