National Forestry Agency urges extreme caution as rising temperatures heighten wildfire risk

The National Forestry Agency of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture is urging the public to exercise extreme caution when travelling through state forests and to adhere strictly to forest fire safety regulations following a sharp rise in temperatures.

The Agency highlighted that the threat of forest fires escalates significantly during the summer months, with human negligence remaining the primary cause in the vast majority of incidents.

“Particularly during this peak tourist season, staff from regional forestry services are actively patrolling state forest territories and issuing guidance to visitors to minimise the risk of wildfires,” stated Data Kobakhidze, Head of the Forest Care and Restoration Department.

“Statistically, human negligence is cited as the leading cause of forest fires. To raise public awareness, we have run numerous informational campaigns. Everyone must observe the guidelines provided when setting up picnic spots or campfires so that we can keep the risk of forest fires to an absolute minimum,” he added.

According to the National Forestry Agency, information and warning signs have been installed across fire-prone and high-tourist areas nationwide. By scanning QR codes on these signs, visitors can instantly access guidelines on safe movement through forest areas, as well as specific requirements for establishing picnic areas and lighting fires.

“The National Forestry Agency reminds citizens that lighting fires within state forest land is strictly prohibited under tree canopies, in young coniferous forests, in burnt-over areas, damaged forest patches, logging sites covered with debris, timber storage yards, and areas with dry grass or peat,” the Agency’s statement read.

“In other forest areas, campfires are permitted only on designated platforms cleared of all flammable materials, such as hay, dry grass, leaves, and twigs, within at least a 1.5-metre radius of the hearth.

Under the Code of Administrative Offences of Georgia, violating forest fire safety requirements that lead to a fire or its spread carries a fine ranging from GEL 300 to GEL 500. Furthermore, where a forest fire is caused by negligence, the law prescribes a prison sentence of between four and eight years,” the agency added.