🔥🏞️ Fire and barbecues in summer: what is prohibited from 15 April to 15 September and what are the exceptions

From 15 April to 15 September, there is a general ban on open fires in forests and on uncultivated land (utmark) in Norway. The aim is to prevent forest and peat fires during the driest and windiest period of the year. This applies not only to ‘classic’ campfires, but also to charcoal grills, barbecues, and disposable aluminium trays with charcoal — all of which are considered open fires. In some cases, exceptions are possible, and municipalities may tighten or, conversely, relax the rules depending on the weather and fire hazard. Below is a simple but legally correct analysis of the rules and handy tools for preparing for your trip.

📜 General rules (what exactly is prohibited)

Period of validity. From 15 April to 15 September, open fires in forests and on utmark are prohibited by default. During this period, it is not permitted to light fires or use charcoal grills/barbecues on the ground, grass, decking or near vegetation — even ‘quickly and carefully’.

What is utmark? These are ‘wild’ areas: forests, swamps, tundra, open meadows, coastal strips outside yards and fields, islands and slopes. There is a general ban on utmark in summer; on innmark (yards/gardens/fields), the regime is determined by the owner/commune, but sanitary and fire requirements are still mandatory.

Where fires are permitted by default in summer. Only in equipped areas (stationary fire pits, concrete hearths, official barbecue areas), provided they are not closed during the ban period and are not dangerous due to specific weather conditions (heat, wind, dry grass).

Gas ≠ always allowed. Gas stoves/burners are also technically a source of open flame. They can only be used where it is obviously safe: on stone/gravel, away from grass and the edges of decking, in the absence of wind and only if there is no local ban. In any doubtful situation, refrain from using them.

Disposable charcoal grills. Charcoal = sparks, smouldering remains and a hot bottom. In summer, they are not allowed on the utmark. Even on picnic tables/decks, they are dangerous and usually prohibited. On equipped sites, they are only allowed if expressly permitted and safe in the circumstances.

🏛️ Municipal exceptions (and local bans)

In summer, the ‘bonfire/barbecue’ regime may vary from municipality to municipality:

• Relaxations. After rainfall and when the fire hazard index is low, the municipality may open some of the fire pits, official barbecue areas by the water, or allow gas stoves on stone/gravel, provided that social distancing is observed.
• Tightening. In hot/windy/dry weather, ‘red’ restrictions are introduced: even stationary fire pits are closed, and any open fire is prohibited.
• Special zones. Popular beaches/islands/parks may have local bans due to smouldering embers in the sand, proximity to dry grass, nesting birds, etc.

Practice: always check your local authority's decision for the dates of your trip and the status of a specific site. If the location/park description says ‘temporarily closed for fires,’ this rule takes precedence over the basic permissions.

🔁 Alternatives to open fire: gas stoves and ‘spark-free cooking’

To eat outdoors without breaking the rules, follow the principle of ‘no charcoal and no sparks’:

Gas stove/burner.

Permissible if obviously safe: place it on stone/concrete/gravel, move away from grass/moss/trees at least 3–5 metres, avoid wind, keep water/sand handy and do not leave unattended. No flames on wooden decks and platforms. When in doubt, don't do it.

Cold food.

Sandwiches, salads, yoghurts, ready-made pastries/cheese — the perfect plan for ‘red days’ (heat/wind). On the shore, it is often tastier and safer.

Picnic areas.

Many parks and beaches have stationary fire pits/grill frames. Only use them if they are officially open.

🛰️ ‘Checking the status’: how to understand that it is safe today

Three steps before any fire/stove:

1. Weather and wind. Gusts = sparks. The wind near the water is often stronger than it seems ‘on the beach’.
2. Moisture/dryness. Dry grass/heather/moss — ignite instantly. After rain, the situation varies: the top layer is wet, the bottom is dry.
3. Local mode. The community/park/beach may be in ‘red’ status, regardless of your assessment.

🧰 If you have already lit the fire — how to do everything correctly

• Prepare the site. Only stone/concrete/gravel, surrounded by a ‘clean circle’ without grass or moss.
• Water/sand/shovel. Always at hand, not ‘somewhere in a bag’.
• Do not leave unattended. Never. Not even ‘for a minute’.
• Extinguish properly. Water/sand until completely cooled. Charcoal/ash — only when completely cold, take away in a bag.
• Clean up afterwards. The place should look as if there was no fire: no ashtrays ‘under the stone’.