May you light a fire in nature?

Allemansrätten gives a limited right to a small fire when it is not dry and there is no fire ban. You are responsible that the fire does not spread or damage ground, rock or plants. Use existing fireplaces where they exist and never fire directly on rock slabs – they crack.

How do I know if there is a fire ban?

Fire bans are issued by the municipality or county administrative board in drought and spread via their websites, the Brandrisk Ute app and local news. Always check before you go, and when a ban is in force you may not fire in nature at all – often not even in a grill you brought or on fixed fireplaces. If in doubt: skip it.

How do you put a fire out properly?

Pour on plenty of water, stir the ash and pour more until everything is cold to the touch. Embers can smoulder for a long time, especially in dry ground and roots. Never leave a fire unattended and never leave until it is fully out.

Fires in nature and fire bans – what applies?

A cup of coffee on a rock or a sausage over the fire belongs to paddle life. But fire is a large responsibility, and the rules are clear: you may only fire when it is safe and there is no fire ban. Here is what applies.

What Allemansrätten says

Allemansrätten gives a limited right to a small fire, but only when it can be done without risk. You are responsible that the fire does not spread or damage nature. Avoid dry periods, never fire directly on rock slabs (they crack with the heat), and stay with prepared fireplaces where they exist – along most canoe routes there are ready fireplaces. More in our guide to Allemansrätten.

Keep track of fire bans

In drought, municipalities and county administrative boards issue a fire ban. Always check before you go:

The municipality’s and county administrative board’s websites.
The Brandrisk Ute app from MSB.
Local news and notices at campsites.

If a ban is in force you may not fire in nature – often not even in a grill you brought. If you are unsure: skip it, and bring a camping stove as backup.

Fire risk can be high even when no formal ban applies. Check both the current fire risk and the actual fire-ban decision for the municipality or county where you will paddle.

Fire safely and put it out properly

Use an existing fireplace, or clear down to bare earth or sand, away from roots and brush.
Keep the fire small and have water within reach.
Put it out with plenty of water, stir the ash and pour more until everything is cold to the touch.
Never leave the fire unattended, and leave the place nicer than you found it.

Embers can smoulder for a long time in dry ground – never leave a fire until it is fully out. Planning a longer trip? See the guides on overnight camping and planning a multi-day trip.