The Latvian State Fire and Rescue Service (VUGD) reported that it received four calls within the past 24 hours about burning soot in residential chimneys. They highlighted the importance of cleaning soot from chimneys, stoves, and fireplaces to prevent fire hazards. This reminder comes as VUGD noted that improper use of heating systems can lead to smoke issues within homes, as evidenced by an additional call regarding a smoke incident due to malfunctioning heating apparatus on February 21.

On the same day, VUGD responded to an incident in Ventspils municipality where a light vehicle had crashed. Rescuers successfully extracted an individual from the vehicle and handed them over to medical personnel for further assistance. They also ensured safety by disconnecting the vehicle's battery terminals before concluding their operations at the scene.

Overall, VUGD received a total of 36 emergency calls during this period. Of these, eight pertained to fire extinguishments, 22 were rescue operations, and another six were false alarms. The agency’s alerts serve to underline the need for routine safety practices in residential areas, particularly as the heating season continues from November 1st to March 1st, demanding additional vigilance in chimney maintenance.