Forest fire alarm in Dahme-Spreewald: evacuation and warnings!

Forest fire alarm in Dahme-Spreewald: evacuation and warnings!

Today, July 1, 2025, an important warning was issued in the Dahme-Spreewald district. The Lausitz regional control center issued a report at 2:51 p.m. that a forest fire had occurred in the region. The affected areas include Dahme-Spreewald, Elbe-Elster and Oberspreewald-Lausitz. A major disaster was declared as early as 2 p.m., which resulted in the immediate evacuation of the Kleinbahren area. The population is asked to avoid the affected area as far as possible and to leave the area in the direction of Sonnewalde. If you have any questions, you can reach the citizen hotline on 03535464004.

The risk of forest fires not only causes material damage, but can also pose serious health risks for people and animals. There is also a risk of spread to nearby buildings and long-term environmental damage. Despite the fact that the danger is currently classified as low, citizens should definitely follow the rules of conduct issued. News.de reports that ...

Recommended behaviors

The authorities recommend that you pay attention to announcements from the police and fire brigade and follow the instructions of the emergency services. In addition, affected areas should be strictly avoided. We also recommend that you obtain current information about the Elbe-Elster district via their homepage. However, strict rules apply in the region when it comes to dealing with fire: smoking is prohibited in the forest, open fires may only be lit at a distance of at least 50 meters from the edge of the forest, and grilling near the forest is also prohibited. Brandenburg.de highlights that...

The access roads to forests must also be kept clear for fire and rescue services, and parking is only permitted in designated areas. From a forest fire danger level of 4, the forests can be closed by the lower forest authority. This is done primarily to ensure the safety of firefighters.

Health risks from forest fires

Forest fires are not only a danger to the immediate habitat, but also a serious health risk. Fires produce a variety of pollutants, including particulate matter, carbon monoxide and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which can have long-term health effects. Fine dust (PM2.5) is particularly dangerous because it can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause both lung and cardiovascular diseases. Federal Environment Agency warns that...

There is also evidence that pollutants from smoke can cause irritation to the respiratory tract, eyes and skin. People with existing respiratory diseases are particularly at risk. Long-term fine dust pollution, such as that caused by forest fires, could have similar negative effects on health as urban fine dust pollution. The population is therefore urged to stay away from forest fires as much as possible and to consult a doctor if they have health problems.

The situation in Dahme-Spreewald remains tense and citizens are asked to follow the authorities' advice to ensure everyone's safety.