Aerial monitoring flights for wildfire prevention decline in Finland this summer

This summer, aerial monitoring flights for fire prevention have primarily occurred during the warm and dry month of May. Most of the flights conducted across the country for detecting wildfires took place towards the end of May, with over 300 operations launched at that time. In June, this dropped to approximately 100 flights, leading to a total of just over 440 flights nationwide so far this year. By comparison, nearly 450 flights were completed last year, while a particularly active year in 2021 saw nearly 900 flights.

While the season is not over yet, the onset of dew in late summer is expected to help mitigate drought conditions. Statistically, the most rainfall typically occurs during July and August, according to Anna Mattila, Chief Fire Officer of the North Finland Regional State Administrative Agency. Following rainfall in July, flight operations slowed significantly, with only 13 flights conducted across the country.

From the spring and summer flights, 129 wildfires have been detected, and firefighting units have been guided nearly 30 times. The emergency services have managed to combat fires in their early stages this year, demonstrating clear financial benefits. Early detection and rapid extinguishment help reduce carbon dioxide emissions as well. The primary goal remains to prevent large and prolonged wildfires, Mattila emphasizes.

The majority of flights have been focused in southern Finland, covering regions such as Varsinais-Suomi, Kanta-Häme, Päijät-Häme, Kymenlaakso, and South Karelia. The wildfire monitoring flights are activated based on a forest fire index produced by the Finnish Meteorological Institute, which rises above four. As the climate warms, preparations for increasing fire seasons are necessary, with projections suggesting that fire seasons may begin earlier in spring and extend further into autumn.