Increased Fire Risk: Open Fire Ban Remains in Force in Prague Until Further Notice

The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute has extended its heat warning until Saturday. At the same time, an increased fire risk remains in place in Prague due to the ongoing dry conditions.

The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ) has extended its heat warning until 2 August at 12.00 am. It has also issued a warning over an increased risk of wildfires. Due to the prolonged dry weather, a City of Prague regulation remains in force until further notice, prohibiting the lighting of open fires in areas at increased risk of fire.

While the regulation is in force, a number of activities are prohibited in these areas. 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 from designated firefighting water sources 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.

According to the latest forecasts, the heatwave is expected to ease gradually on Sunday. However, rising humidity means that heat stress is likely to remain high. The ČHMÚ continues to publish the latest updates on its website.