In Estonia forest fires constitute an inseparable part of the development of forests. On the average about 215 forest fires affecting an area of 210 ha take place in Estonia every year. Only 1-3 fires are caused by lightning. Most of the fires take place in forests situated near urban areas, predominantly near Tallinn and Kohtla-J rve. The majority of human-made forest fires are caused by negligent smokers and people making campfires.
Many fires begin at the roadside.
At present the structure of the forest fire control system is being reorganized. Now, however, this function is taken over by salvage teams. The number of forest districts has shrunk to 109 and their functions shall include prevention of forest fires, discovering already blazing fires, and giving assistance to the salvage teams. In the future, the state forest districts shall focus on fire protection in the state forests. The largest fires in the recent years have taken place at Vihterpalu in 1992 and 1997.