Mushroom season begins: rescuers have already received 28 calls about people lost in forest
With the start of mushroom and berry picking season in Latvia, the State Fire and Rescue Service has already handled 28 calls this year about people getting lost in the woods. Most often, help is needed by those who entered the forest alone and without telling anyone.
People in Latvia are increasingly heading to forests to pick mushrooms and berries, but the desire to fill baskets can end badly, as there is a risk of getting lost. This year, the State Fire and Rescue Service has already received 28 calls about people who have lost their way in the forest.
Those who go alone are at higher risk
Rescuers have observed that help is most often needed by those who went into the forest by themselves and did not tell anyone about their plans. This is especially true for elderly people. When no one knows where or when a person went, search efforts become much more complicated.
Drones increasingly used in searches
Search operations are increasingly relying on drones. These unmanned aerial vehicles help cover large areas more quickly and locate missing people, reducing the time spent alone in the woods. The service urges residents to be cautious and to always let relatives know before heading into the forest.
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