🔥 Bonfires and fires: safety rules
Norway has a nationwide summer ban on open fires in natural areas, approximately from 15 April to 15 September. It covers forests, swamps, wastelands and other "wild" areas. However, there are local exceptions (as decided by the municipality and fire service) and safe scenarios (e.g. equipped barbecue areas). Below is how to figure out where you can and cannot have a fire, what to replace a bonfire with, and how to act safely.
📘 What is considered an "open fire"
● Prohibited in summer: bonfires on the ground, disposable aluminium grills on soil/grass/peat, torches and any flames that can ignite vegetation.
● More often allowed with careful use: gas burners/hobs on a stable non-flammable surface, stationary barbecue/grill areas (grillplass), obviously safe places (bare rocks by the water without vegetation and in the absence of wind) — always check local regulations.
● Local prohibitions and permissions: the municipality may tighten or relax the rules (up to a complete ban on even gas if the fire hazard class is high).
🧭 How to make a decision on the spot
The logic is simple: season + conditions + location + local rules. If even one factor is "red", fire is not allowed.
| Situation | Allowed | Not allowed |
|---|---|---|
| Forest, heath, bogs (summer) | — | Any open fire, including disposable grills on the ground. |
| Bare rocks by the sea | Gas stove on stone/concrete in calm wind and no local ban. | Campfire on peat, grass, roots or near bushes. |
| Designated grill areas | Follow site rules, keep water/sand, clean up embers. | Fire outside grill bowls, leaving glowing embers. |
| Strong wind or drought | — | Any flame, including gas — by municipal/fire service decision. |
🧯 Safety first
● Keep water/sand/a shovel handy, clear the area of leaves and moss.
● Never light a fire on peat, near tree roots or under low branches.
● Watch the wind: sparks fly further than they seem.
● Before leaving, extinguish the fire until it is cold ashes: stir, pour water on it, touch it — only when it is cold.
● In case of fire, call 110 and report the coordinates/landmarks.
🍳 Alternatives to campfires: barbecue areas and gas
● Equipped barbecue areas in villages and campsites are the best option: bowl/barbecue, ash bins, instructions.
● Gas burner/hotplate: use on stone/concrete, set up a windbreak, keep water nearby.
● Electric grill in rorbu/sjøhus — a safe alternative in bad weather, if permitted by the owner.
● Camping kitchen: clean tables, extractor fan, no risk of sparks on dry grass.
🧱 Base
Only stone/concrete/metal — never moss, grass or wood.
Sparks and heat must not reach vegetation.
💨 Wind
Place in a sheltered spot, use a windscreen.
Gusts can extinguish the flame or spread heat.
🧯 Control
Gas turned off, cylinder intact and not overheating.
After cooking — cool down and store safely.
🌬️ Wind and sparks: how to assess the risk
Even a light breeze can carry embers. If the grass is rustling, do not light a fire.
🗑️ Ash, coals and rubbish
● Allow the ash and coals to cool completely and place them in a designated container or take them away in a sturdy metal/heat-resistant container.
● Do not leave disposable grills "by the stone" — cool them down, pack them up and throw them away in mixed waste if there is no separate container.
● Never pour hot ashes into the forest, onto peat or into plastic bins.
🚨 What to do in case of fire
● 110 — fire and rescue service. Call immediately and give simple directions.
● If it is safe to do so, extinguish the fire with water/sand, throw sand on the edge of the flames, and tear up the bedding to the ground.
● Meet the fire brigade on the road and show them the location.
● Inform your neighbours/campsite administrator.
📞 Call 110
🪣 First action
🚪 Evacuation
🧩 Municipal exemptions and how to read them
Municipalities may temporarily allow open fires when the fire hazard rating is low, as well as impose a total ban (including gas/barbecues) during periods of drought and wind. In practice, this means:
● Always check the signs at beaches, car parks and trails.
● Check with the campsite administrator/cottage owner: they know the current regulations.
● Remember: when in doubt, choose gas on stone or use an equipped barbecue area.
FAQ
If the summer ban is in effect, bonfires are generally prohibited in natural areas. The only exceptions are where it is obviously safe and there is no local ban. In practice, it is better to use a gas stove on stones or an equipped barbecue area.
Not recommended: the thin bottom overheats the base and easily ignites dry grass around it. In summer, such grills are often subject to the "open fire" ban. Choose stationary areas or gas on stone/concrete.
Often yes, but only on a non-flammable surface (stone/concrete), in light winds and in the absence of local restrictions. Always keep water nearby and do not use gas near bushes and dry grass.
Usually yes, if the barbecue bowl is provided for by the site rules, but during periods of high danger, the administration may temporarily ban any outdoor fires. Follow the instructions on site.
Gusts spread sparks and dry out the ground cover. If the grass is rustling, don't light a fire. Strong winds and heat/drought are signs that even gas should not be used outdoors.
In summer, this does not make sense: open fires are usually prohibited. Out of season, only where it is permitted and without damaging natural objects. Never break living trees.
Allow them to cool completely and place them in a container for ashes/mixed waste. Do not throw them away while hot and do not leave them to "cool" on rocks/the beach — this is a source of fire and injury.
Call 110, warn people, try to extinguish the edge locally with sand/water if it is safe to do so. Meet the fire brigade and show them the way.
Often yes, if it is permitted by the rules of the cottage. An electric grill is a safe alternative in windy weather and when there are local restrictions.
Keep them at arm's length, explain the boundaries, and keep an eye on tails and toys. Put skewers and knives away in a safe place immediately after cooking.
