Metsähallitus removes campfire sites from Hetta-Pallas trail

Yle reports that Metsähallitus will remove outdoor campfire sites along the popular Hetta-Pallas hiking trail this autumn and next spring, aiming to conserve firewood and reduce wildfire risk.

The first sites to go will be those in the worst condition. Hikers will still be able to light fires inside huts or kota shelters along the route.

Hanna Ylitalo of Metsähallitus Nature Services said cooking sausages inside uses far less firewood than an open fire. Keeping wood available is also important so hikers can stay warm in bad weather, when they are more likely to take shelter indoors.

Moving fires indoors is also intended to lower the risk of wildfires, particularly during dry summers and periods when wildfire warnings are in force. Ylitalo said people may not always take those warnings seriously.

The 47-to-55-kilometre trail crosses Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park and usually takes three to five days to hike. Metsähallitus Nature Services will monitor how hikers respond to the change and use their experience to consider whether to apply the same approach to other trails.