High temperatures, prolonged drought, and dry vegetation significantly increase the risk of wildfires.

The Krkonoše National Park Administration therefore urges all visitors to follow the rules during their stay in the mountains, which are designed to protect the unique ecosystems of the Krkonoše Mountains and ensure people’s safety.

It is prohibited to build fires in the national park (except in designated areas). This prohibition applies not only to traditional campfires but also to the use of all types of stoves—gas, gasoline, alcohol, wood-burning, and other devices with an open flame. Under current conditions, even a seemingly insignificant source of fire can cause a large-scale wildfire with long-term consequences for valuable mountain habitats.

It is equally important to note that the Forest Act prohibits smoking in forests. Forests cover approximately 80% of the Krkonoše National Park’s area. Smoking is therefore prohibited throughout virtually the entire territory traversed by visitors. Discarding a cigarette butt into dry vegetation can have fatal consequences. Statistics from the Fire and Rescue Service of the Czech Republic have long shown that the vast majority of wildfires are caused by human activity or negligence. Among the most common causes are careless handling of open flames, discarded cigarette butts, and the burning of vegetation.

Even the Krkonoše Mountains are not spared from such incidents. The most recent major fire struck the Labská louka area above Labská bouda in November 2018. At that time, the fire engulfed an area of approximately 600 × 600 meters, and extinguishing it was exceptionally challenging due to the inaccessible mountainous terrain. Both Czech and Polish firefighting units collaborated on the operation. The subsequent investigation revealed that the most likely cause was human negligence—a discarded cigarette butt was not ruled out either.

The KRNAP Administration therefore asks all visitors to exercise the utmost caution when in the mountains. Following the rules is not only a legal obligation but, above all, a sign of respect for the unique natural environment of the Krkonoše Mountains. A single spark or a discarded cigarette butt is all it takes, and the damage caused in a matter of minutes can take decades to repair.

Source: KRNAP Press Release