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Environmental crisis in Jüterbog: Oil in Rohrteich – immediate measures taken!
On June 26, 2025, oil was discovered in the Jüterbog pipe pond. Environmental damage required quick action from authorities and the fire department.
Environmental crisis in Jüterbog: Oil in Rohrteich – immediate measures taken!
In recent weeks, environmental protection and fire risks have been in the spotlight in many regions of Germany, especially in Brandenburg. The situation around the Jüterbog wilderness area is becoming increasingly urgent after oil was discovered at Rohrteich on June 26, 2025, which required immediate action. As reported by [City Report](https://cityreport.pnr24-online.de/klare-zum Distribution-effective-handeln-fuer-den-umweltschutz/), the fire department, city administration, fishing club and the Teltow-Fläming district worked hand in hand to save the water.
The city of Jüterbog is the owner of the pipe pond and is legally obliged to carry out maintenance, cleaning and renovation. Despite clear legal responsibilities, everyone involved acted quickly and cooperatively to repair the environmental damage. The city commissioned specialist companies and covers the costs, while the Teltow-Fläming district bears the technical supervision and environmental responsibility.
Wilderness area fires
At the same time, the Jüterbog wilderness area is another hot topic. It covers around 7,000 hectares and is home to a variety of endangered species, including wolves and wild cats. Formerly a military training area, the area has developed largely undisturbed since the 1990s. But the recent forest fires in the region have caused a stir.
According to reports, ten fires have occurred in the Jüterbog wilderness area since 2017, affecting around a third of the area. Last summer, around 700 hectares were devastated by fire. In this context, arson is suspected to be the main cause, while some rumors implicate the Brandenburg Natural Landscape Foundation, which supposedly may have an interest in the fires in order to dismantle pine plantations. However, these claims were denied by the foundation.
The protection of the forest is being put to the test by the intense fire danger. A fire protection concept was implemented, which recently showed effective results in a fire in August. Some birch trees and heather survived thanks to the protective measures taken. Without the committed actions of the various actors, nature would have been set back by decades, those responsible remember.
Danger of forest fires in Germany
A look at the nationwide statistics shows that there were a total of 1,059 forest fires in Germany in 2023, which represents a decrease of half compared to 2022. Nevertheless, the affected forest area of 1,240 hectares was above the long-term average, as reported by the Federal Environment Agency. The fires had particularly devastating effects in Brandenburg, as more than 250 fires were registered here, affecting over 765 hectares.
The causes are diverse: human activity was responsible in 40% of cases, with careless behavior by forest visitors and campers being the main trigger. Experts warn of rising temperatures and less rainfall, which could increase the risk of forest fires in the future.
It should be noted that protecting the environment and fighting forest fires continue to represent a major challenge - not only for Jüterbog, but for the whole of Germany. However, with clear action, rapid response and cooperation, much can be achieved to protect and preserve nature.