Emergency Management Service issues public warning about increased risk of forest, field fires

The Emergency Management Service of Georgia on Tuesday warned the public about the rise in air temperature throughout the country over the coming days and noted the development would increase the risk of forest and field fires.

The Service called on the public to call the 112 emergency number in case of discovering fires in natural environments, and warned against burning waste, plants and other materials in forests and leaving lit cigarettes in the areas.

It also urged members of the public not to light fires in forests or grounds with dried plants, avoid dumping waste in or near wooded areas, and follow signs for prohibited actions near them.

Georgia’s National Environment Agency also warned the public on Monday about the heatwave that was expected to raise temperatures across the country this week, with areas in the west of the country set to see 41 degrees.

The Agency said that temperatures would reach 37-39 degrees in the lowlands in the east of the country, while in the mountainous parts it would vary between 28 and 33 degrees.

The body warned the anticipated temperatures would provide for “ideal conditions” for causing heat stress, forest fires and glacier melting.