Sweden Faces Heightened Forest Fire Risk as SMHI Issues Warning
SMHI warns of high forest fire risk nationwide, deploying firefighting resources across Sweden.
Key Points
- • SMHI warns of high to extreme forest fire risks across Sweden.
- • Residents urged to check local fire bans and exercise caution.
- • Rainfall in certain regions has slightly reduced fire risk.
- • MSB has deployed helicopters and planes for rapid firefighting response.
The Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) has issued a significant warning regarding an elevated risk of forest fires across nearly all regions of Sweden as of July 19, 2025. The risk levels have been categorized as high to very high, with certain areas, particularly in Norrland, Svealand, Gotland, and Norra Götaland, facing extreme fire hazards due to ongoing dry conditions and heat.
According to SMHI, forest fires can easily ignite from various sources, including campfires, sparks from machinery, and even lightning strikes. Residents are strongly advised to check for any local fire bans and exercise utmost caution when handling fire. Notably, rainfall recently observed in Jämtland, Västernorrland, and Västerbotten counties has lowered the fire risk in those areas, but this has not significantly impacted the broader national warning.
In response to this alarming situation, the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) has deployed twelve firefighting helicopters across several counties, with notable configurations including four helicopters stationed in Norrbotten and several others in Västerbotten, Västernorrland, Gävleborg, and Västmanland, all on a 30-minute readiness standby. Additionally, two scoop planes are available in Västerbotten and Södermanland counties, prepared with a longer readiness time of 180 minutes.
This warning occurred alongside reports of increased visitor activity in various outdoor areas, which has led local law enforcement to address related challenges, such as illegally parked cars obstructing access in places like Älvkarleby municipality.
With the heatwave currently affecting the country, the potential for increased algal blooms in waters has also been noted, raising health advisories from biologists. As summer continues, both fire safety and public health remain critical areas for concern across Sweden.