High risk of forest fires in Brandenburg: What citizens need to know now!

High risk of forest fires in Brandenburg: What citizens need to know now!

The risk of forest fires in Brandenburg is currently higher than ever. The risk increases enormously, particularly in the warm season, which is traditionally characterized by little rainfall in the country. This issue is continuously monitored by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Consumer Protection (MLEUV). Forest fire risk assessments have been published here daily since March 1st and are in effect until the end of September. With its dry summers, Brandenburg not only has little rain, but also extensive pine forests and light sandy soils, which further increases the risk of forest fires.

In total, the state's forest area covers around 1.1 million hectares, which accounts for 37 percent of the total state area. The danger levels are alarming as more than 90 percent of all wildfires are caused by human activity. A particularly serious fire occurred in 2023 on a military wasteland near Jüterbog, where areas contaminated with ammunition made it difficult to extinguish the fire. This year, a total of 1,059 forest fires were counted in Germany, which represents a decrease of half compared to the previous year. Nevertheless, Brandenburg recorded the most fires in the country with 251 fires, including a devastating fire in Jüterbog that affected around 705 hectares of forest.

Precautions in the forest

Visitors to the forests are urged to refrain from any actions that could lead to a fire. It is forbidden to light fires or smoke at a distance of less than 50 meters from the edge of the forest all year round. Anyone who does not adhere to these rules must expect significant fines - up to 20,000 euros can be due. This is particularly important because the dangers cannot be underestimated: in 2023, no cause could be determined for 51 percent of forest fires, while human error was responsible for 40 percent of cases.

Long dry periods in spring and summer are poisonous for the forest. The Federal Environment Agency reports that the risk is particularly high in the period between May and July, when around 80 percent of forest fires were registered. The forecasts indicate an increasing risk of forest fires in the coming decades, triggered by higher temperatures and less precipitation. Young and sparse coniferous forests with dense undergrowth are particularly at risk.

Long-term consequences and strategy changes

The risk of forest loss is alarming. Forest fires can not only release emissions that affect human health, but also threaten the stability and vitality of forest ecosystems. The conversion of conifer monocultures into mixed forests with a higher proportion of hardwood is recommended as a preventative measure to reduce forest fires in the long term. This strategy could be crucial to protecting forest areas for future generations.

In conclusion, it appears that Brandenburg is well advised to approach the coming months with a sense of proportion and caution. Anyone who wants to spend their free time in nature should definitely pay attention to the risk of forest fires and help protect our valuable forests.

For further information on the current situation of forest fire risk in Brandenburg, we recommend the websites of the MLEUV, des Märkischen General as well as the Federal Environment Agency.