RIGA, March 23 (LETA) - In 2020, 384 old grass fires were registered in Latvia's eastern Latgale county, which is by 55 percent less than a year ago, when the number of fires caused by burning old grass reached 860, LETA learned from the State Fire and Rescue Service.

As many as 415 hectares of land burned in fires which is four times less compared to 1,747 hectares in 2019. Compared to other Latvian regions, Latgale reports the largest number of grass fires and the largest territories burnt in those fires.

Last year, the first old grass fire was registered on January 20, while this year the first fire was reported on March 2.

The largest number of old grass fires last year was registered in Daugavpils city - 128, there were also many fires reported in Daugavpils county - 84.

In Latvia, burning grass is prohibited by law.