Hungary lifts its fire ban nationwide from 12 November

Hungary will lift its fire ban nationwide from 12 November, according to Nébih's 11 November announcement. The authority attributed the decision to a reduction in forest-fire risk following rainfall. The change also affects hikers planning outdoor cooking in woodland at the weekend.

According to the disaster management authority's guidance, forest visitors may use designated fire sites while observing safety rules. Combustible leaves and branches must be cleared from the surroundings, and fires and hot embers must remain supervised. If the wind picks up, the fire must be extinguished.

Burning garden waste or other waste outdoors is a separate issue. The relevant official guidance states that outdoor burning is generally prohibited except where legislation permits it; burning household waste is prohibited. The latest decision therefore provides no general permission to burn waste accumulated in a yard.

For autumn leisure plans, see our coverage of the outdoor new-wine festival in Szentendre; for transport information, see the H6 suburban railway replacement service. Before setting out, check the official restrictions map and signs at the site, as fire risk can change with the weather. The lifting takes effect on 12 November; safe-use conditions matter every time a fire is lit.

A weekend plan therefore requires two separate decisions: whether the chosen place is suitable and whether the fire can be supervised safely in the conditions encountered. Lifting the nationwide restriction settles only part of the first question. The wind and the state of the surroundings at the time of the outing remain relevant to deciding whether to use the site.