The Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) has issued warnings for a high risk of grass fires in large parts of southern Sweden. The warnings apply to Skåne, Götaland, Svealand, southern Norrland, southern Västerbotten, Gotland, and Öland. For Götaland, Svealand, Gotland, and the southernmost Norrland, the warning also extends to Sunday.
SMHI urges great caution with outdoor burning, stating that grass fires can easily start and spread in dry grass from the previous year. In Skåne, train traffic between Malmö and Trelleborg was reportedly stopped on Saturday afternoon due to a grass fire near the tracks, according to Sydsvenskan. Traffic resumed later, but significant delays occurred.
SMHI urges great caution with outdoor burning, stating that grass fires can easily start and spread in dry grass from the previous year.
The rescue service in Östra Götaland also warns of the risk, with a fire reportedly burning 200-300 square meters of grass in Vingåker earlier in the day. Mikael Karlered, the officer on duty, advises against burning alone, having plenty of water nearby, and considering postponing burning due to the dry conditions and wind.
Mikael Karlered, the officer on duty, advises against burning alone, having plenty of water nearby, and considering postponing burning due to the dry conditions and wind.