Wildfire situation improves after rain in central Sweden

A forest fire burns near Sarna in central Sweden on July 26th. Thanks to international help and more favourable weather, the wildfire situation has improved in the worst-affected areas.  (Maja Suslin/AFP/Getty Images)
After nearly two weeks of fires in east-central Sweden, several hundred homes are now safe to return to but efforts to fight and contain fires around the country continue, says David Sundström of the Civil Contingencies Agency.

Some international firefighters who have helped battle the flames in the Dalarna region and elsewhere are now leaving Sweden. Aerial and on-the-ground firefighting efforts plus milder weather conditions have contributed to a much improved situation in the worst-affected areas of the country.

Yet the firefighting efforts continue and it is still important that members of the public exercise caution, Sundström told Radio Sweden.

After rains, risk of forest fires lessens
The forest fire near Trängslet in Dalarna is under control, and the warning to the public to leave the area has been withdrawn.

In Ljusdal in Gävleborg, fires continue in Ängra and Enskogen, but they are slowly being brought under control. No new fires have been reported in Norrbotten (Northern Sweden).

More rain is forecast, but scattered across different areas, and with a risk that lightning might ignite new fires. Heavy rains Sunday led to the passage leading to the platforms at Uppsala Central Station flooding (east-central Sweden), affecting rail services.

Related stories from around the North:

Canada: This year’s exceptional heat is becoming the new normal, scientists warn, CBC News

Finland: Crews contain fresh wildfires in western Finland, Yle News

Norway: European Arctic swelters under tropical temperatures, breaks heat records, The Independent Barents Observer

Russia: Forest fires are raging across the Barents region, The Independent Barents Observer

Sweden: Forest fires will become more frequent as climate warms, says scientist, Radio Sweden

United States: Alaska’s firefighters are ready for wildfire season, Alaska Public Media

Nathalie Rothschild, Radio Sweden

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