Georgia’s National Forestry Agency reports that several forest fire hotspots have been identified across the country, causing renewed calls for public caution during travel and activities in wooded areas.
The agency stated that human negligence remains the primary cause of wildfires nationwide. Current hotspots have been detected in Kvemo Kartli, Mtskheta-Mtianeti, Racha-Lechkhumi and Lower Svaneti, Imereti and Samtskhe-Javakheti. In most cases, the fires are burning low vegetation such as dry brush and undergrowth.
Authorities say that almost all active hotspots have been localized and firefighting efforts are ongoing. Crews from the National Forestry Agency and the Environmental Supervision Department are working alongside the Emergency Management Service to contain and extinguish the remaining fires.
Officials pointed to the legal consequences for violations of fire safety rules in forested areas. Under Georgia’s Administrative Offences Code, causing a forest fire, whether through unsafe handling of fire or negligence, can result in fines, particularly if the blaze damages or destroys forested land.
To prevent further incidents, agencies have intensified 24-hour patrols throughout the country. The Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture stated that every report received through its emergency hotline (153) receives immediate response.
