The general ban on fires is from April 15th to September 15th

A general fire ban, which runs from April 15 to September 15, is intended to prevent forest fires.

- Now this summer, when many people are going on excursions, it is worth being aware that, as a rule, it is forbidden to make fires in the wild. Failure to do so can lead to serious damage and, in the worst case, to life and health, says Bente Lier, Norwegian Outdoor Life's Secretary General.

Norsk Friluftsliv is a joint organization of 18 large organizations outdoor life in Norway, with a total of nearly one million members.

The municipalities have approved places for bonfires

For those of you who want to gather with family or friends by the fire, there are still such opportunities.

-  In most municipalities there are bonfire sites that are approved for use, if conditions permit, even now in summer. A good tip is to check the municipality's website to see where they are and whether it's allowed, says Lier.

Also read: Inflation and higher interest rates will slow the growth of the Norwegian economy

The fire ban also allows a few other exceptions in very specific cases.

For example, it may be good when the ground is covered with snow, for example, or it is after a long rainfall. About it informs the Fire Safety Directorate on  Safe Everyday Life website .

Common sense regardless of the season

Despite the fact that the general ban on fires will disappear after September 15, Lier insists that this does not mean there will be a green light to fire in windy conditions.

For those of you wondering what you should know when considering lighting a fire in nature, Norsk Friluftsliv has put together six tips.

What should I know before lighting a fire in nature?

Six tips for a good bonfire on the go:

• Comply with the general fire ban from April 15 to September 15.  During this period, there is a rule that you cannot make a bonfire, with the exception of bonfire sites approved by the municipality. It is still allowed to make a fire in places where it obviously cannot start a fire, e.g. in snow.
• Take into account the danger of forest fires and any local prohibitions.  In dry periods with a high risk of forest fires, municipalities may introduce extraordinary fire bans. Therefore, always check the current rules in your municipality.
• Set the fire in such a way that it harms nature as little as possible.  Provide adequate distance from vegetation, ideally using an existing fire place. It is forbidden to light fires on bare rocks and boulders as they may crack or discolour.
• Do not fell trees to obtain firewood.  Do not damage trees or break branches to light a fire. Therefore, bring firewood from the house or use dead branches and twigs that you find on the ground.
• Do not throw plastic, empty boxes or similar items into fire.  Paper, dry food scraps and cardboard packaging can be burned. Other rubbish such as plastic, tinned food, glass or empty beer cans should not end up in the fire.
• Put out well after yourself and clear the fire before you leave it.  Always check that the fire is completely extinguished before leaving. Also clean the stones, logs, etc. to be nice to those who will come after you.