More than two-thirds of the 168 fires recorded in the Czech Republic on Saturday were classified as wildfires, signaling a significant increase compared to the long-term average. Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman Martina Gotzova informed CTK yesterday that a total of 116 wildfires broke out in the open air, primarily affecting forests and fields. This figure represents a shocking three-fold rise compared to previous years.

It is noteworthy that the Czech Republic experienced its hottest day of the year on Saturday, accompanied by an elevated risk of fire. However, thanks to a temporary decrease in temperature due to morning rainfall, the situation calmed down on Sunday, and the number of fires returned to levels consistent with the long-term average. According to the Fire and Rescue Service’s Twitter account, only 52 fires were reported on Sunday, with 25 of them occurring in the open air.

The locations of the interventions carried out by firefighters showcased the widespread nature of the fires. Various forests, grasslands, meadows, and fields were engulfed in flames during Saturday’s alarming events. In Pisek, located in south Bohemia, approximately 40 hectares of forest were affected by the fire near Jetetice. However, firefighters managed to control and extinguish the fire by Sunday with the assistance of three helicopters.

Fieldwork was also a significant contributor to the outbreak of fires on Saturday. Reports indicated that several fires erupted during agricultural activities throughout the country. The increasing proportion of wildfires in the overall statistics is a cause for concern. Gotzova’s yearly reports on fires in the wild revealed that out of the 20,813 fires recorded in 2022, almost one-third, amounting to 6,816, were classified as wildfires. This trend continued from the previous year, where out of 16,162 fires, 3,588 were wildfires, representing less than a quarter of the total.

It is worth noting that aerial technology has been instrumental in combating wildfires. In 2022 alone, firefighters employed this advanced technique in 23 forest fires, including the largest single fire recorded in the Bohemian Switzerland National Park in North Bohemia. This massive fire, which ravaged 1,060 hectares, demonstrated the critical role of modern technology in effectively responding to such emergencies.

Given the escalating number of wildfires and their potential for catastrophic damage, it is crucial for authorities and the public to prioritize fire prevention measures, including stricter regulations and increased awareness campaigns. The alarming statistics serve as a reminder of the urgent need for collective efforts to mitigate the risks posed by wildfires and preserve the natural beauty of the Czech Republic’s landscapes.

Article by Prague Forum