When the Forest Burned: The 2017 Borjomi Fire and the Carelessness That Fuels Wildfires
In August 2017, fire broke out in the forests of the Borjomi Gorge — one of Georgia's most treasured natural areas. Driven by summer heat and high winds across steep, rugged terrain, it burned for two weeks. By the time it was out, the fire had affected roughly 950 hectares, and about 250 hectares of forest were completely destroyed.
What happened
The blaze began in mid-August in the hills above the villages near Borjomi and intensified with the wind. Around 100 firefighters fought it, but steep slopes and thick smoke made machinery nearly useless; aircraft and international help were called in. (Reported by RFE/RL and Georgian Wikipedia.) Restoring what was lost meant replanting some 144 hectares with hundreds of thousands of seedlings — and for the communities around the burned forest, even the local microclimate changed.
Why wildfires matter to every Georgian
Georgia's hot, dry summers and forested mountains make wildfires a recurring threat — and the great majority start not from lightning, but from people: a discarded cigarette, an unattended barbecue, dry grass or stubble set alight that jumps the line, a campfire left smouldering. The country's environment ministry has repeatedly drawn attention to how often fires break out. A single careless moment in dry conditions can cost hundreds of hectares — and put homes and lives in the fire's path.
How to prevent an outdoor fire
- 1.Never burn dry grass or stubble on hot or windy days — it is the most common spark, and it can spread faster than a person can run.
- 2.Keep barbecues and campfires well away from dry vegetation, never leave them unattended, and douse them with water until cold to the touch.
- 3.Never throw a cigarette from a car window or onto the ground outdoors.
- 4.Keep water or a means to extinguish within reach whenever you grill or light any outdoor fire.
- 5.If you see a fire starting, call 112 immediately — minutes decide whether it stays small.
A forest takes decades to grow and a single afternoon to lose. The same principle protects your home and your country: stop a fire while it is still small. That is exactly what ORDEX is built to help you do.
Sources: 2017 Borjomi Gorge forest fire — RFE/RL; Georgian Wikipedia; DFWatch.