Europe's news in English

COPY LINK

WEATHER

Weather alert: ‘Extremely high risk’ of wildfires in parts of Sweden

Sweden’s weather agency warned of an “extreme” risk of forest fires in parts of the country, as helicopters were called in to water bomb a blaze south of Stockholm.

Published: 23 May 2023 11:22 CEST

Weather alert: 'Extremely high risk' of wildfires in parts of Sweden

File photo of a firefighting helicopter. Photo: Fredrik Sandberg/TT

SMHI on Tuesday warned of a high or very high risk of forest fires in south-eastern Sweden, including areas such as Uppsala, Stockholm, Örebro, Norrköping, Jönköping, Karlskrona and Gotland. Locally, the agency described the risk as “extremely high”.

There’s also a high or very high risk of grass fires in parts of Norrland.

On Tuesday morning, firefighters used helicopters to drop water on a forest blaze between Hemfosa and Träsksjön in Haninge municipality south of Stockholm.

It was not known how the fire started. Fire crews were called out to fight it on Monday evening, and by noon on Tuesday most of it had been extinguished. No one was injured.

Fire bans are currently in place in large parts of the Blekinge, Kronoberg, Gotland, Västmanland, Stockholm and Uppsala regions.

The bans are issued by county administrative boards and the rules may vary, but a standard fire ban usually means that you are not allowed to light any fires, other than barbecues in your own garden or at a fixed grill site.

You can keep up to date with SMHI’s weather alerts here and fire bans here.

Member comments

Log in here to leave a comment.

Become a Member to leave a comment.

What to do when a flood warning is issued in Sweden

Extreme weather is becoming more common worldwide due to climate change, and Sweden is no exception.

READ MORE: Rain and floods: How global heating could alter Nordic summers

While there isn’t much one can do about the weather itself, by staying informed and taking proactive measures, you can better protect yourself, your family, and your valuables from the increasing risk of flooding in the country.

What you need to know about Sweden’s weather warning system

The Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) issues weather warnings on a three-point scale: yellow, orange, and red, each indicating increasing levels of severity and risk, with red being the most dangerous one.

A yellow danger warning can lead to power outages and traffic disruptions, such as blocked roads and delays in public transport.

When it is in place, the public is advised to stay informed about weather forecasts and take preventive measures, especially if they live in vulnerable areas or belong to at-risk groups.

An orange warning indicates weather that could have serious consequences for society. Power outages and poor road conditions are more likely.

The public is advised to avoid activities that expose them to weather risks and take action to reduce the risk of injury (this might include, for example, working from home instead of commuting).

Significant disruptions to public services, including transport, are also expected under an orange warning.

A red danger warning, the most severe within the SMHI’s system, means weather conditions could pose a significant danger to the public and cause major disruptions.

You should avoid any risky activities and take extensive preventive measures to protect your life and property.

Public services are expected to adapt and ensure the public in the country is adequately informed in the case of a red warning.

READ MORE: What do Sweden’s weather warnings actually mean?

Staying informed and prepared – essential resources

The first thing on your to-do list should be to read up on the latest warnings and weather updates.

You can find the latest warnings and advisories on the SMHI’s website. Monitoring these updates will help you stay prepared for any expected severe weather event.

You can also subscribe to danger warning notifications in the SMHI mobile app (available in the iOS App Store and on Google Play for Android), which will send out push notifications for alerts. The app also shows weather forecasts.

Furthermore, make sure to check with your local authorities for specific advice and information about your area.

It’s a good idea to double-check that your information in the national population register is up to date so that local authorities can contact you in case of emergencies, such as evacuation notices.

Checking for flood-related travel disruptions

Flooding can cause significant travel disruptions, so keep an eye on potential train and bus cancellations and closed roads.

If storms and winds accompany severe weather, ferry connections may also be affected.

For the latest updates on such disruptions, check with transport operators like SJ and the Swedish Transport Administration – or the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB).

The website Krisinformation.se, which publishes emergency-related information from the Swedish authorities, is also a valuable resource.

Securing your home and valuables

To protect your home from flooding, make sure you clean drainage systems and gutters to ensure proper water flow.

Move valuables from basements to higher ground and ensure windows and doors are securely closed.

If you have one, clear your garden of loose objects and secure larger items like boats or caravans.

Note that flooding can also impact utilities such as electricity and water. Therefore, it’s wise to have emergency supplies, including water, blankets, and non-perishable food.

The Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency provides guidelines on what supplies you’ll need in an emergency on its website.

Reading up on Sweden’s VMA system – the alarms that are tested four times a year which sound a bit like air raid sirens – is also a good idea, as it will help you understand what the different signals mean.

READ ALSO: What should foreigners in Sweden think about when preparing for a war or crisis?

Url copied to clipboard!