Wildfire danger has reached extreme levels across much of Denmark as a heatwave pushes temperatures up to 32 degrees Celsius on Friday, with the highest risk concentrated in parts of central and northern Jutland, central and northern Funen, and western Zealand.
The Danish Meteorological Institute warned that fire risk will remain very high or extreme across most of the country through the weekend. Lasse Clemensen, emergency director at Midtjysk Brand & Redning, urged the public to avoid all open flames despite the absence of a formal burning ban. The Danish Emergency Management Agency noted that last year saw more than 450 fires caused by weed burners alone.
Below-normal rainfall since late last year has left vegetation parched, according to DR meteorologist Thomas Kaa Mørk. Cooler, more humid air is expected to reduce the danger after the weekend. The conditions mirror a wider European pattern, where 529,192 hectares have burned across the EU this year.