About 20 km (12 mi) from central Stockholm are the Tyresta National Park and Nature Reserve.

The area is characterised by a rift valley landscape which is typical for central Sweden but unique in an international perspective.

It has been protected to preserve its noted natural values, e.g. one of the largest sections of untouched forest in southern Sweden,[2] and to safeguard its importance for recreation.

[3] The park also has deciduous broadleaf forests, open arable land and historical buildings of cultural interest.

The hot and dry conditions in the area at the time were optimal for a forest fire to start.