Wildfires prompt emergency response from Metsähallitus in Lake Inari, Finland

Wildfires on the islands of Lake Inari have prompted a response not only from the Lapland emergency services but also from Metsähallitus, the Finnish state-owned enterprise that manages land and water areas. After the fire department extinguishes a wildfire, Metsähallitus staff remain to monitor the burned areas. Kirsi Ukkonen, a special expert in recreational use at Metsähallitus, noted that they have at times faced staff shortages for after-fire surveillance, leading to the hiring of external fire watchers. The wildfires have become costly for Metsähallitus, impacting its current services.

Ukkonen explained that repeated emergency responses significantly strain resources: “If we’ve had to respond to the lake six times, that’s tens of thousands of euros. This takes away from our already limited resources and reduced personnel, affecting services for outdoor enthusiasts as well.” Last year, Metsähallitus reduced its workforce for budgetary reasons, making it challenging to find personnel for monitoring burnt areas. Ukkonen acknowledged, “It indeed affects our capability; it has been a challenge to find people willing to go.”

Since mid-July, wildfires have erupted on six different islands in Lake Inari. A fire ban is currently in place in Inari and Utsjoki municipalities, prohibiting open flames. Tuomas Korhonen, an on-duty fire chief in Lapland, indicated that these fires likely stem from careless fire handling, with fires occurring far from inhabited areas, complicating emergency responses.

Both the fire department and Metsähallitus advise against open fires during the fire ban, stressing that any violations may result in fines. They encourage the use of gas stoves instead.