Can I make an open fire outdoors in Czechia?
Only in a safe spot — and definitely not in a forest. The Forest Act bans fires in forests and within 50 metres of the forest edge; only designated fire pits are allowed. In national parks and reserves they are banned almost everywhere. Elsewhere the Fire Protection Act applies: contain the pit, keep water at hand, never leave it unattended, then extinguish fully. Most commonly missed: during a declared drought period (regional decree) outdoor fires are banned outright — even where they are normally fine. Larger brushwood burning must be reported to the fire service. Fines: up to CZK 15,000 (Forest Act) and CZK 25,000 (fire protection) — starting a wildfire means damages and criminal charges.
📋 The rules
- No fires in forests or within 50 m of the edge (designated pits excepted)
- National parks/reserves: fires only at designated spots
- Drought periods (declared by regions): total outdoor fire ban
- Contain the pit, water at hand, constant supervision, extinguish fully
- Burning grass over an area is always banned
🔓 Exceptions
- Designated and municipal fire pits, public BBQ spots
- Your own garden outside ban days — safe distance from buildings and forest
- Brushwood burning pre-reported to the fire service (online form)
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Forest Act: fines up to CZK 15,000 for a fire in a forest or within 50 metres of its edge. Fire Protection Act: up to CZK 25,000, typically for burning grass or careless handling of fire. That is the cheap version. If you start a fire, add compensation for damage to the forest and property, the cost of the fire-service call-out, and criminal liability for negligent endangerment — hundreds of thousands of crowns and a criminal case. During a declared drought ban enforcement is harsher, and pleading a small campfire will not save you.
📎 Official sources
- Czech Fire Rescue Service · Outdoor fires (CS) →
- Poznat svět · Open-fire rules (CS) →
- Prague Environment Portal · Fires in nature (CS) →
❓ Frequently asked
Where are fires completely banned?
In forests and within 50 metres of the edge, in national parks and reserves outside designated pits, and everywhere outdoors during a declared drought ban. Designated and municipal fire pits and public BBQ spots are the exception.
May I barbecue in my own garden?
Yes, outside ban days, keeping a safe distance from buildings, fences and forest, with supervision and water at hand. Careful if your garden borders a forest: the 50-metre line applies to your fire pit too.
Must I report brushwood burning?
Report larger burns to the fire service in advance through the online burning register — that avoids both a call-out when a passer-by reports the smoke and a fine. Burning grass over an area is banned outright and cannot be reported.
How do I know a drought ban is on?
Regions declare it by decree when fire risk is high, and the information appears on the regional and fire-service websites. While it lasts, lighting fires outdoors is banned across the board.
What about a campfire by a river outside the forest?
Possible outside forests and protected areas, but on someone else's land only with the owner's consent and with all safety rules kept. Riverbanks inside protected landscape areas are often off-limits, so check exactly where you stand.
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