Red alert: danger of forest fires in Germany is exploding!

Red alert: danger of forest fires in Germany is exploding!

What's going on in the woods? Current reports show that the risk of forest fires in Germany is following an alarming trend. In its study “Fire Compass – Forest Fires in Germany”, the WWF warns of a serious threat that is intensified by rising temperatures and the associated drought. Record numbers of forest fires already occurred in the extremely hot and dry years of 2018, 2019 and 2022, with over 2,000 hectares of forest burning in each case. These are the highest values ​​in almost 30 years. [WWF reports]

In 2023 alone, 1,240 hectares of forest were burned, which corresponds to 157 percent of the long-term average. “We need to take urgent measures to protect our forests,” says Albert Wotke, program manager for area nature conservation at WWF Germany. These warnings are particularly relevant for federal states such as Brandenburg, which has been severely affected by the devastating fires. This state is characterized by highly flammable pine forests and dry soils, which increases the risk of forest fires. In fact, around half of the forest fire areas in Germany in 2023 were in Brandenburg. [ZDF reported today]

The causes: man-made or nature?

A frightening aspect of the current situation is that only around four percent of forest fires in Germany are of natural origin. The majority are caused by humans, be it arson or even negligence. In addition, former military training areas pose particular risks because old weapons make it difficult to fight fires. These unnecessary dangers should be addressed more closely when we talk about prevention. [WWF reports]

The global numbers are equally alarming. In 2023, around 26 million hectares of forest burned, resulting in CO2 emissions of around 8.8 billion tonnes. This corresponds to fifteen times Germany's annual CO2 emissions. Even though the area was slightly smaller compared to previous years, CO2 emissions from forest fires increased by 16 percent. [ZDF reported today]

Prevention measures: A good hand for the forests

To counteract this, the WWF is calling for ecological forest conversion as a long-term preventative measure. Near-natural mixed deciduous forests are less susceptible to forest fires compared to pure coniferous forests. Between 1992 and 2023, over two thirds of the coniferous forest areas burned. “We also need political measures and financial resources to support this forest conversion,” adds Wotke. Establishing forest fire barriers and promoting hardwood regeneration are other suggestions. [Deutschlandfunk reports]

The financial burden resulting from forest fires cannot be ignored either. Annual damage amounts to an average of around 1.23 million euros, and in extreme years this number can even rise to up to five million euros. The long-term consequences are devastating: soil damage, loss of biodiversity, health problems and the release of climate-damaging greenhouse gases. [ZDF reported today]

The conclusion is clear: it is up to all of us to take action. The next time we go out into nature, we should avoid open fires and make sure to dispose of cigarettes safely. Only together can we help protect our precious forests and avert the impending danger of forest fires.