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Fire protection and soot removal

Here you will find information on what you should consider when lighting and using fireworks. Fireworks not only pose a fire risk, but can also disturb your surroundings if you are not careful and burn properly.

Rules on sooting, timing of fires and requirements for protective measures are designed to reduce the risk of fire spread and disturbance.

Fireworks can cause injuries and sometimes require a permit from the police to be used. The fireworks page provides tips and advice on how to handle fireworks to reduce the risk of injury. You will also find links to the police for more detailed information on when you need a permit.

For more information about fire safety in Sollefteå municipality, visit the Emergency Services website.

Fire safety at home

Most accidents caused by fire happen at home or at leisure. By following simple recommendations from the Fire Safety Association, you can increase your own safety and that of others.

If there is a fire in your home

If you find that there is a fire and you are unable to put it out, get out as soon as possible.

Do not take the elevator!

Remember never to use an elevator in case of fire.

Close doors!

Close doors behind you as this slows down the spread of the fire.

Warn others and call 112.

If there is a fire elsewhere in an apartment building

Never go out into a smoky stairwell.

Stay in the apartment and call 112.

An apartment door can normally withstand a fire for 30 minutes.

Fire alarms can save your life

Keep in mind that smoke detectors should be on every floor and that they should be located on the ceiling. One smoke detector covers about 60 square metres.

Test the smoke alarm

If your living space is larger, you should have several smoke detectors. Test your smoke alarm regularly to make sure it is working. When an alarm is ten years old, it is time to replace it with a new one.

Have a fire extinguisher at home

You can often put out small fires with water or suffocation. One recommendation is to also have a fire extinguisher in your home and keep it easily accessible.

Fire safety control

The responsible authority for soot removal and fire protection control in Sollefteå municipality is Räddjänsten Höga Kusten-Ådalen. The work is carried out by Sollefteå Sotningsdistrikt AB.

Find errors and shortcomings in good time

The aim of the fire safety inspection is to detect at an early stage faults and deficiencies in an installation that could lead to a fire. The inspector should also be aware of accident risks other than fires.

Installations are checked for the following factors affecting fire safety:

  • Soot formation and coatings
  • Damage or changes in technical performance
  • Temperature conditions
  • Pressure conditions and tightness
  • Operation and maintenance

Sooth your property yourself

As a property owner, you can apply to the emergency services to have your property swept yourself. The sweeping must be carried out in a safe manner from a fire safety point of view. This option only covers the sweeping, i.e. no inspections.

Outdoor fire

Burning produces smoke, odours and soot particles and can disturb your surroundings. There is also a risk that the fire will spread if you are not careful. Remember to always take into account any fire bans, your neighbours and to burn safely.

Burning of garden waste

During the spring and autumn cleaning of your garden, there can be a lot of brushwood, twigs and leaves. It's best to compost it in a garden compost bin. This way, you can use the nutrients in the garden waste for next year's flower beds.

If you want to burn your garden waste, you must be considerate of your neighbours. Smoke and smells can find their way into ventilation ducts and cause a nuisance. It is therefore important to talk to your neighbours before you start burning. Moist garden waste means lots of smoke. You should therefore make sure that the waste is dry before you start a fire.

Fire ban

Remember to always check with the emergency services for information on any fire bans. They can be reached on 0620 - 87 05 00.

Burning at Walpurgis and Easter

You do not need to notify the emergency services if you want to light a bonfire at Easter or Walpurgis.

But there are some things you need to consider:

  • You may only burn rice, twigs, bushes and branches.
  • If you want to burn on someone else's land, you must have the landowner's permission.
  • You are responsible for putting out the fire.
  • Always have extinguishing equipment available, such as a water hose or a fire hose.

Fireworks

Fireworks are popular during the New Year and other holidays and are appreciated by most people. However, using fireworks is not risk-free. To avoid causing harm, it is important to follow the rules.

Fireworks and permits

You may need a permit from the Police Authority to use fireworks, but this is not a general requirement. The Public Order Act regulates when you need a permit. You can read more about when and how to apply for a permit on the Police website. However, a permit is always required for larger fireworks displays near buildings and where many people are present.

Things to consider when using fireworks:

  • Check that the firework is not damaged. Never light damaged fireworks, but return them to the place where you bought them.
  • Always follow the instructions for use.
  • Never hold a lit firework in your hand.
  • Never lean over an ignited firework.
  • Keep your distance and make sure that all bystanders do the same.
  • Wait before approaching a firework that is not working. Never light it again.
  • Be considerate. Be aware that both people and animals can be frightened by fireworks.

Burning of garden waste

When dealing with garden waste, there is a lot to consider. It is usually forbidden to burn the waste, unless it is in small quantities from your own garden. Don't forget to be considerate of your neighbours when burning. It is also inappropriate to burn garden waste that is too damp.

It is forbidden for both private individuals and companies to burn waste on their own.

This also applies to waste that is not directly harmful to the environment, such as

  • wood
  • cardboard boxes
  • paper

According to the Environmental Code, anyone who has waste must ensure that it is handled in an environmentally and healthally acceptable manner. It is therefore not allowed to burn your waste.

Exceptions to the above rules may apply to small amounts of garden waste from your own garden, provided the smoke does not disturb the surroundings.

However, large quantities of rice and other waste that may be generated in an establishment are not exempt. This does not count as garden waste and may not be burned.

When burning, it is important to be considerate of your neighbours and not to burn excessively damp garden waste, which can cause intense smoke.

Last update 9 December 2022