Can you make a campfire and grill kebabs outdoors in Georgia?
Where fire is allowed in a forest and what a breach costs.
Short answer
In Georgian forests a campfire is allowed only in specially designated places, and the fine for breaking fire safety rules in a forest is 100 to 200 GEL. Such places are marked with information signs, and a forest owner may temporarily ban fires to prevent forest fires. Burning a forest deliberately is punishable by 4 to 8 years in prison.
Why
- The Forest Code (Article 34) allows a campfire in a forest only in places specially designated for it.
- A forest owner or forest management body may temporarily ban campfires to avoid forest fires (Article 34).
- The Ministry of Environmental Protection reminds that in the forest fund a fire is allowed only in a pre-arranged fire pit with a cleared area.
Details
In the forest fund a fire is allowed only in a pre-arranged fire pit with everything flammable cleared within a 1.5-metre radius: hay, dry grass, leaves and pine needles. Fires are banned under tree trunks, in young coniferous forests, in old groves, on burnt areas and near wood waste, peat and dry grass.
Breaking fire safety rules in a forest is fined 100 to 200 GEL under the Administrative Offences Code. If a forest is burned and the damage reaches 1,000 GEL or more, a criminal case is opened. Other rules for visitors are collected in What is banned for tourists in Georgia and what they are fined for and How Georgians treat tourists and how to behave.
Tip
Look for a sign marking a campfire spot and bring water to put the fire out completely before you leave.
What may differ
Rules for national parks, nature reserves, private land and yards were not checked in this answer, so ask the administration of the area. In the dry season fires may be banned entirely.
Common misconception
In a forest you can grill kebabs wherever it is convenient as long as you put the fire out afterwards.
What actually happens
The Forest Code allows a campfire in a forest only in places specially designated for it, and the forest owner may temporarily ban it altogether.
People also ask
- Is it legal to have a bonfire in a forest in Georgia?
Sources
Rules are stricter in the hot season, and fines and criminal liability for a forest fire are serious. Follow the signs on site.
Related questions
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When and where can you set off fireworks in Georgia?
Fireworks in Georgia are sold and imported under permits, some categories are for certificate holders only, and breaking the rules in a public place is fined 2,500 GEL.
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Can you cross the road in the wrong place in Georgia and what is the fine?
In Georgia you cross at a pedestrian crossing or junction, and a pedestrian who ignores signals, signs or markings faces a 50 GEL fine, or 100 GEL on highways.
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For purely personal purposes the data protection law does not cover filming people, but unlawfully recording a private conversation or spreading personal data can be punished under the Criminal Code.