Fire risk escalates in North and East Lapland as authorities combat wildfires in Inari, Sodankylä, and Utsjoki

In North and East Lapland, particularly in Inari, Sodankylä, and Utsjoki, dry conditions have led to an increased risk of wildfires, according to shift supervisor Timo Nyholm from the Lapland Rescue Services. Currently, the agency is heavily engaged in combating wildfires. Units are en route to an island in Lake Inari, which had previously burned, as smoke has begun to emerge from the area again.

Nyholm suspects that the recent fires were sparked by campers using open flames. A fire that raged in Angel initially appeared to have destroyed approximately 10 hectares of forest; however, upon further assessment after the smoke cleared, it was found that the actual area affected was around 3-4 hectares. Local authorities are investigating the cause of the blaze that ignited on Thursday in Angel, which was extinguished overnight.

A caravan and a sauna located on a summer cottage property were also destroyed in the fire. Firefighters exercised caution due to two gas cylinders present inside the building. Nyholm explained that while gas cylinders typically have a safety valve, there was no certainty regarding their condition during the fire.

In addition to seven firefighting units, an Aslak helicopter was deployed to retrieve water from a nearby lake to combat the blaze. A warning for forest fires remains in effect for North and East Lapland at least until next Tuesday, as well as a warning for Meri-Lapland today. With forecasts indicating no rain for the region, conditions will likely remain dry. Nyholm advises keeping matches stored away, as winds are significantly spreading the flames.