Forest fire warning issued across much of Bohemia, including Prague

Due to high temperatures, dry conditions, and little rain in the forecast, the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute has issued a warning for the increased risk of forest fires across much of Bohemia, including Prague, heading into the week.

While a warning previously in effect had covered portions of Northern Bohemia, including areas of Bohemian Switzerland that were devastated by fire last summer, the new warning covers most of the eastern half of the Czech Republic.

The warning for increased risk of forest fires is valid in the new areas from Sunday evening until further notice, through at least Wednesday. It covers nearly all of Bohemia save for areas in the south and northeast.

Check the CHMI website for an up-to-date map of areas affected by the fire warning.

In advance of the warning, the City of Prague and other municipalities in the Central Bohemian region had already announced a ban on starting open fires as well as smoking in forests, parks, and other places where there is a risk of fire, which began (in Prague) from Friday at noon.

New areas covered in today's warning include all of Prague as well as the Karlovy Vary, Plzeň, and Ústí nad Labem regions. Selected areas in the Liberec, Pardubice and Hradec Králové regions also fall under the new warning.

Temperatures with daily highs in the low-to-mid-20s Celsius are in the forecast for many of these areas heading into the week, with temperatures rising into the mid-to-high 20s by the end of the week.

No precipitation is in the expected in these areas over the next five days, though occasional rainfall and isolated thunderstorms could hit areas of Bohemia by next weekend, according to the CHMI's weekly weather forecast.

According to the Czech weather institute, people should avoid any activities that could lead to the potential spread of fires while the fire warning is in effect. These activities include starting open fires in outdoor areas, burning grass, littering cigarette butts, or using portable stoves or other sources of open flames.

Residents and visitors are also advised to be aware of any local regulations that may be in effect in their areas under the current warning.