Increased Fire Risk: Prague Bans Open Fires on Sunday

Due to an increased risk of forest and vegetation fires, a comprehensive ban on open fires will be in force in Prague on Sunday. The restrictions apply to forests, parks, gardens and other areas with an elevated fire risk.

The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ) has issued a warning of an increased fire risk for the entire city of Prague. Due to the ongoing dry weather, Prague Regulation No. 6/2019 will come into force on Sunday, 26 July 2026, from 9.00 am until midnight.

During the period in which the regulation is in force, several activities are prohibited. These include lighting or maintaining open fires, smoking – with the exception of e-cigarettes – using pyrotechnic devices, and the use of other potential ignition sources such as sky lanterns, torches or flying lanterns.

The disposal of glowing or burning objects is also prohibited. Steam locomotives may only operate if appropriate safety measures are in place. In addition, water intended for firefighting must not be used for any other purpose.

In exceptional cases, open fires may still be permitted in these high-risk areas. According to the regulation, this requires, among other things, a prior risk assessment by the organiser or operator, notification of the fire service control centre, and the presence of a fire brigade unit throughout the event.