Extreme heat and risk of forest fires: Brandenburg on alert!

Extreme heat and risk of forest fires: Brandenburg on alert!

The heat in Brandenburg is causing great concern. Persistent drought and high summer temperatures threaten the forests and people's safety. Loud stern.de Alert level 4 is already in effect in eight out of fourteen districts, which raises the risk of forest fires in this country to a more extreme level. The southern regions of the state are particularly affected, as they are now struggling with a high fire risk.

The weather forecasts are alarming: The German Weather Service (DWD) predicts temperatures of up to 39 degrees Celsius for next Wednesday. A constant challenge that has already resulted in the first injuries. In an incident in the Spree-Neiße district, a person was seriously injured and was taken to a special clinic.

Wildfire danger levels and precautions

Forest fire danger levels range from 1 to 5, with level 4 indicating high danger. In the remaining districts, such as Barnim, Havelland and Oberhavel, the situation is still classified as a medium danger with a warning level of 3.The evaluation takes place daily at midnight and these values ​​will be published by the end of September. In Brandenburg there are strict laws to protect the forest, which prohibit lighting fires and smoking in the forest all year round, as the forestry administration explains on its website ( forst.brandenburg.de ).

Forest visitors must follow some important rules to prevent fires. This includes, above all, the ban on lighting a fire or smoking within a distance of less than 50 meters from the edge of the forest. Grilling near bodies of water connected to forests is also prohibited. This ensures that the fire brigade has the necessary freedom to react quickly to fires and to secure the forests.

A call for caution

Brandenburg has already had to contend with numerous forest fires in the past - by the end of May 2023 alone there were 125 fire brigade operations. The authorities are currently required to remind people of the dangers and provide regular information about the conditions. The risk of forest fires depends heavily on the weather and vegetation, and every forest visitor should have a good knack for recognizing possible dangers and following the guidelines provided.

If you encounter a fire, it is important to immediately call 112 and inform the fire department. Specify the exact location and provide information about the type of fire. Safety comes first – even in the forest!