Red alarm level: Risk of forest fire in the Havelland rises dramatically!

Red alarm level: Risk of forest fire in the Havelland rises dramatically!

The situation in Brandenburg continues to come to a head: On Tuesday, July 1, 2025, the fire brigade had to fight several forest fires at the same time. The persistent drought and the high temperatures contribute to the rapid spread of the flames. The Havelland-Kreis is experiencing a worrying development-here the risk of forest fire has risen at level 4, as rathenow24.de The authority calls for caution in this critical period of time. Open fire and grilling near forests are strictly prohibited. In addition, cigarettes should be disposed of immediately and vehicles should not be parked on dry grass. If someone notices smoke or fire, it is important to choose the emergency number 112 immediately to curb the fires at an early stage. This makes it clear how important every responsible action is now.

impressive challenges for the fire brigade

In the region, the emergency services face enormous challenges. More than 300 firefighters are currently in action, especially in the Elbe-Elster district and in Treuenbrietzen, where several fireplaces are active. The forest fire protection officer Raimund Engel warned of the cause of the fire and blamed the continuing drought as a central factor for the danger. In the Kleinbahren district of Sonnewalde, even 82 people were evacuated to make sure that nobody is in danger while the fire brigade brings the situation under control.

In the Elbe-Elster-Kreis, the flames have captured an area of ​​around 15 hectares; An area of ​​13 hectares burns in Treuenbrietzen. Although the fire brigade describes the situation as "Handbar", the fire areas are classified as "suspect of ordnance", which also makes the operational measures more difficult. Fortunately, the wind conditions are currently cheaper than the previous day, which gives the emergency services some air, while the temperatures continue to stay high and there is no rain in sight.

forest fire risk in Brandenburg

Brandenburg has the highest risk of forest fire in all of Germany. Historically, forest fires have always been a big topic here: in 2023, 251 fires were registered in the state, with the largest fire area with 765.2 hectares of more than half of the entire forest fire area in Germany. A large part of the forest fire areas was in the Jüterbog area, where about 705 hectares were affected, according to the Federal Environment Agency.

human failure is often one of the main causes for such fires; About 40 % of the cases are due to this. This ensures a worrying balance: In 51 % of the forest fires of 2023, no cause could be determined. Despite the multitude of fires last year, there was a decline in the total number compared to 2022, but this is not a reason for the all -clear. Climate change continues to increase the risk from forest fires in the future, while nature also suffers from the existing damage.