Wildfires prompt fire safety training initiative in Inari, Finland

Throughout the extended and hot summer, wildfires have plagued the municipality of Inari. Multiple blazes broke out on the islands of Lake Inari during the summer, and in September, three wildfires ignited simultaneously. In this vast area, many regions are a couple of hours’ drive from the nearest fire station. The Lapland Rescue Service is currently planning a project in collaboration with Inari municipality to establish fire safety training in remote villages. This pilot project aims to create an effective model that can later be expanded throughout Lapland, according to safety trainer Riku Mäenpää of the rescue service.

“We will practice first aid and other safety skills. The goal is to teach and discuss how to respond in places such as Angelin, Nellim, and other agreed-upon villages,” Mäenpää explains.

Residents of the village of Angelin have welcomed this training initiative, as they have considered similar training following a wildfire that burned a 3 to 4-hectare area in Lintupuolivaara in August. It takes about an hour to travel from Angelin to Inari, the nearest larger village. “It would help people to be prepared and know what to do in case of an incident,” says village association chair Ritva Torikka.

Mäenpää is unsure when the project will officially start but anticipates confirmation about its funding within the next couple of weeks. If funding is secured, the project will commence in early next year.

Volunteers form the first line of defense in these remote areas during wildfires, and the challenging terrain complicates rescue efforts. Local residents are also seeking to acquire initial firefighting equipment, as previous resources have been deemed too complicated to maintain and inadequate in reach.