Forest fires and their causes in the Czech Republic (1992-2004)

Abstract

Forest fires under conditions of the Czech Republic are evaluated from the aspect of their frequency of occurrence in 1992-2004 at a level of particular years, seasons, days and daytime, and causes of their origin. They are confronted with a situation in the CR in 1974-1983. Effects of climatic conditions are a limiting factor not only for the frequency of their origin but also for the size of the burnt area. Spring (April) and summer (August) culminations were balanced. The burnt area of the best part of forest fires (88.9%) was < 1 ha. The increased frequency of forest fires was noted in afternoon hours and during weekends. Areas threatened by fires are characterized by the increased visit number. In the spectrum of causes, a dominant position is taken up by fire raising, smoking and management in the forest. Railway operation and lightning represent minority causes of the origin of forest fires. In the course of the year, the structure of forest fire origin changes depending on activities in the forest and visit number.

Keywords

• fire risk
• preventive measures
• occurrence
• burnt area
• season
• frequency