The extra helicopters are in addition to the permanent helicopter stationed at Geiteryggen in Skien in Telemark from April 15 to August 15. This move comes as conditions remain very dry in many places in Norway, with a good number of fires already reported. The high fire risk is especially pronounced in Trøndelag and Nordland in the coming days.
According to Johan Marius Lyng, a Division Director in the Directorate for Civil Protection and Emergency Planning, irresponsible campfire burning and use of open fire are the most common causes of fires in forests and outlying land. The exact number of fires so far and specific weather conditions contributing to the risk have not been detailed. It is also unclear whether there are any current active fires in Trøndelag or Nordland, or what specific measures beyond helicopter standby are being taken to prevent fires.
The duration of the extra helicopters' standby beyond the weekend has not been confirmed.