High risk of forest fires in the Dahme-Spreewald district: Fire brigade warns!

High risk of forest fires in the Dahme-Spreewald district: Fire brigade warns!

The heat wave that is currently sweeping across Germany has also left its mark in the southern district of Dahme-Spreewald. Maz online reports that the ongoing drought has significantly increased the risk of forest fires. The fire brigade urgently warns to be cautious, as temperatures could reach 40 degrees in the coming days.

To ensure safety in the forest areas, strict rules apply: smoking and open fires are absolutely prohibited in the forest and within a distance of less than 50 meters from the edge of the forest. Brandenburg's forestry administration has also stipulated that the access routes for fire brigade and rescue workers must be kept clear. Parking in the forest is only permitted in designated areas.

Investments in disaster protection

In view of the increasing risks, the state of Brandenburg is investing a whopping 47 million euros in disaster protection. These funds will be used, among other things, to present a new disaster control hall and state-of-the-art special vehicles in Wünsdorf. Particular attention is paid to a tracked vehicle for firefighting and an armored fire engine for areas contaminated with ammunition, which will be used at the former Jüterbog military training area.

School system under pressure

The extreme heat also has an impact on school life. The educational institutions in the region are reacting and shortening lessons due to the high temperatures, sometimes from the first lesson. The heat not only affects the children's well-being, but also their performance.

In the restaurants in the area, work is also challenging, especially when temperatures exceed 30 degrees, as was the case in the Asian snack bar Mr. Do. These come with special precautionary measures. Mirror reports that the fire brigade is fighting the forest fires under difficult conditions, which are being fueled by the heat wave.

Current challenges

Aside from the growing challenges posed by the forces of nature, there are also other issues on the agenda. A dispute over noise protection measures at Berlin-Brandenburg Airport is occupying the courts. A Blankenfeld couple who built a house in 2018 is suing for soundproofing costs, while the airport company is only willing to cover the difference for better windows. The Higher Administrative Court's decision is expected tomorrow, and the deadline for applications for noise insulation is November 4th.

There are also building regulations disputes, as shown by the case of Steffen Renger from Zeuthen, who is having difficulties with the building regulations office. District Administrator Sven Herzberger intervened in the matter, but had little success. The case could potentially go to trial, depending on upcoming solutions from the federal government.