Fire in the Open: Preventing Outdoor and Wildfire Disasters in Georgia
Most wildfires don't begin with lightning. They begin with us — a careless moment outdoors that, in Georgia's hot, dry summers, can grow into a disaster within minutes.
Why Georgia is at risk
Long, dry summers, forested mountains, and strong winds make wildfire a recurring threat across the country — and Georgia's environment ministry has repeatedly highlighted how frequently fires break out. The 2017 Borjomi Gorge fire is the clearest warning: it affected around 950 hectares and destroyed roughly 250 hectares of forest, burning for two weeks despite some 100 firefighters, aircraft, and international help. (RFE/RL; Georgian Wikipedia)
How outdoor fires start
- Burning dry grass or stubble — the single most common cause, and the fastest to spread.
- Unattended barbecues and campfires.
- Discarded cigarettes tossed from cars or onto dry ground.
- Sparks from tools and equipment used in dry vegetation.
Your outdoor fire-safety checklist
- 1.Don't burn dry grass or stubble — especially on hot or windy days. If you must clear land, check local rules and never do it in wind.
- 2.Set up barbecues and campfires on bare ground or stone, well clear of dry vegetation and overhanging branches.
- 3.Never leave a fire unattended, and fully drown it with water — stir the ashes and feel for heat before you leave.
- 4.Keep water or an extinguisher within reach while grilling or burning anything outdoors.
- 5.Take a means to extinguish a small fire with you to the countryside — including in the car.
- 6.Report any fire immediately by calling 112; the first minutes decide everything.
A wildfire is just a small fire that no one stopped in time. Whether it's a barbecue spark or a kitchen flame, the principle is the same — early action saves what matters. That is exactly what ORDEX is built for.
Sources: 2017 Borjomi Gorge forest fire — RFE/RL, Georgian Wikipedia, DFWatch; fire-frequency context — Georgia's Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture.