Prague has introduced a citywide ban on bonfires as authorities respond to rising temperatures and an increased risk of wildfires caused by prolonged drought conditions.

The restrictions came into force on Sunday at 11 a.m. and remain valid until further notice. The measure follows a warning issued by the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute, which warned that dry conditions and incoming heat could sharply increase the danger of fires across several parts of the country.

Under the new rules, people are prohibited from lighting fires in parks, forest parks, gardens, forests, and within 50 meters of wooded areas. Smoking and throwing cigarette butts in these locations are also banned, while the use of pyrotechnics has been temporarily restricted.

The measures extend to areas near fields with dry vegetation as well as storage sites containing hay or straw, both considered highly flammable during periods of extreme heat.

Officials also stated that water reserves intended for firefighting cannot be used for other purposes while the restrictions remain in place.

Exceptions may be granted only to organizers of public events who comply with strict safety conditions and report planned activities to firefighters in advance.

Meteorologists expect temperatures in parts of the country to climb up to 33 degrees.

The highest temperatures are expected in Prague, parts of the Central Bohemian and Ústí nad Labem regions, the Pilsen region, and South Moravia. Weather experts also warned that South Moravia could continue to experience temperatures above 31 degrees on Wednesday.

The combination of heat, dry vegetation, and lack of rainfall has increased concerns about fires in both urban green areas and the countryside as Czech authorities monitor conditions throughout the week.

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