Fire ban in Norway 2027: when does it apply, and what is allowed?
Across Norway it is forbidden to light a fire in or near forest and other open land from 15 April to 15 September. Here are the rules, the exceptions and what municipalities can decide.
When is the fire ban?
The fire ban applies every year from 15 April to 15 September, across the whole country. It is set out in section 3 of the Norwegian fire prevention regulations.
The danger is often highest in spring, before the grass and green vegetation have come up.
What is forbidden?
It is forbidden to light a fire or use anything that can set the surroundings alight in or near forest and other open land. That covers campfires, but also disposable grills and other fire and fireplace devices.
Open land (utmark) is everything that is not enclosed land (innmark). Enclosed land is for example a farmyard, garden, cultivated field or cultivated pasture.
Exceptions
The ban does not apply if
• the municipality has given permission
• the municipal council has allowed it in a local regulation
• it is obvious that a fire cannot start, for example when there is snow on the ground
If in doubt, ask the local fire service.
Total bans by the municipality
When the fire danger is especially high, the municipality can ban all use of fire outdoors, also outside the period and in places where it is otherwise allowed. Such a ban can last up to 60 days at a time, must cover the whole municipality or clearly defined parts of it, and must be lifted when the danger is over. The municipality must make the ban known.
Grilling ban: grills, disposable grills, fire pans and camping stoves
The ban covers all kinds of grilling in or near forest and open land: disposable grills, charcoal grills, gas grills, storm cookers and other stoves that burn fuel. Electric and gas grills are exempt when they are placed and used so that they obviously cannot cause a fire.
Your municipality may have its own rules for fire pans, for example that they are only allowed with a spark guard. During a total ban you may not even light a camping stove in the mountains.
When the forest is dry, DSB advises you to bring a packed lunch instead. In gardens and other enclosed land the fire ban does not apply, but everyone must be careful with fire all year round.
If you light a fire
Whoever lights a fire must watch it until it is completely out. Embers can burn in the ground for days, so put it out with plenty of water and feel that it is cold.
If you see a fire you cannot control, call 110.
Fire ban in your municipality
Your municipality may have stricter rules or a total ban. Find your municipality to see today's forest fire danger and what applies there. Fire danger and fire ban in every municipality
Sources: Norwegian fire prevention regulations, section 3, DSB: reminder of the fire ban from 15 April, DSB's guidance to the regulations and DSB's guidance on local rules for the use of fire.