During the nationwide fire ban, forestry staff from Ipoly Erdő Zrt. and the Börzsöny Mountain Rescue Service are conducting joint patrols throughout the Börzsöny Mountains to help ensure compliance with the restrictions. Ground patrols are supported by aerial drone surveillance, with the aim of detecting any developing forest fire as early as possible.
The drones are being used to pay particular attention to known fire pits and campfire sites throughout the Börzsöny, where violations of the fire ban are most likely to occur. The Mountain Rescue Service's drone is also equipped with a loudspeaker, allowing the team to warn hikers directly from the air if necessary and remind them to comply with the restrictions.
Due to the prolonged lack of rainfall and persistent extreme heat, the forests of the Börzsöny have become exceptionally dry, and the risk of fire is currently extremely high. A discarded cigarette, unattended embers or an illegally lit fire could be enough to start a major forest fire within a very short period of time.
During the fire ban, lighting fires is prohibited even at designated fire pits and campfire sites. We strongly urge all hikers to take these restrictions extremely seriously. The rules apply to all forested areas as well as land immediately adjacent to forests.
The joint patrols have two main objectives: to ensure compliance with the fire restrictions and to detect any developing fire as quickly as possible. Drones allow large areas to be surveyed within a short period of time, significantly reducing the time between the outbreak of a fire, its detection and the start of an emergency response.
Throughout the patrols, the teams also maintain continuous contact with the ranger service of the Duna–Ipoly National Park Directorate should official intervention become necessary.
We ask everyone visiting the Börzsöny Mountains to comply with the fire ban and, if you see smoke or fire, to call the 112 emergency number immediately.
Protecting our forests is a shared responsibility.
