Multiple wildfires have blazed across Finnish Lapland this week.
On Wednesday morning, five wildfires were reported in Savukoski, Utsjoki, Pello and Kemijärvi, according to the Lapland Rescue Department.
Utsjoki has two fires about 50 kilometres apart, while the Pello fire is near the Rovaniemi–Kolari border. In Jumiskonperä, Kemijärvi, a fire managed to destroy about three hectares of land, and the areas is now being watched, to ensure the blaze doesn't restart.
Other wildfires have already been extinguished in Rovaniemi, Savukoski, Ivalo, Kemijärvi, Pello, and Kittilä. In addition to those, the region also suffered two building fires.
Dozens of fires and smoke sightings
Between Tuesday and Wednesday, rescue services responded to several dozen incidents related to fires and smoke sightings, keeping rescuers busy.
Two helicopters from the Border Guard and a Finnish Defence Forces helicopter from Utti, near Kouvola, have been assisting in firefighting efforts and transporting equipment. In addition, numerous contract fire brigades from across Lapland have been involved in the efforts.
Contract fire brigades are voluntary, industrial, or military units that have agreed with emergency services to help with firefighting and rescue operations.
Open fires prohibited
Rescue personnel have warned that the region's terrain remains extremely dry following Lapland's recent heatwave, as several thunderstorms have passed through the area —but without offering much rainfall.
"Now is the time to be extremely careful. For example, a cigarette butt can start a fire in these conditions," said Kimmo Partanen, the on-duty fire chief at Lapland's Rescue Department.
Authorities have also asked citizens who report smoke or fires to provide the most precise location possible to speed up firefighting efforts. Exact locations can be checked using map apps on mobile devices.
The department also noted that open fires are strictly prohibited while wildfire warnings are in effect. Currently, the warnings cover all of Lapland, with the exception of Enontekiö.
An open fire refers to campfires or any other naked flame.
