This year, by May 2, firefighters throughout Latvia have extinguished 1,244 grass fires. Although burning grass is prohibited, penalized, and preventively campaigned against, the tradition has not at all diminished. This year, due to the sunny weather, the burning began early, in March.
"The quantity has increased compared with the previous year. Last year until May 2, there were only 1000 grass fires, 200 more events this year," said Andrejs Kotovs, Commander of the State Fire and Rescue Service (VUGD).
The State Fire and Rescue Service is entitled to impose a fine on individuals up to €280 and up to €1,000 on legal persons for burning grass.
