Wald fire risk in Brandenburg: Flames grip near BER!

Wald fire risk in Brandenburg: Flames grip near BER!

In the Federal Republic of Germany, the risk of forest fire is currently increased in many regions. Particularly noteworthy is the Situation in Brandenburg, where the highest danger level was proclaimed. Dry soils and the lack of rain have significantly heated the danger. In this context, Deutschlandfunk already broke out in the Ostprignitz-Ruppin district and a grain field near Berlin Brandenburg Airport has been on fire. The exact expansion of the fire has so far remained unclear, but a large column of smoke was visible.

The forest fire season has started in Brandenburg and the warning level in the Barnim has already been raised to four, ie "high danger", so rbb24 . The persistent drought, coupled with the lack of rainfall, additionally tightens the situation. The precipitation, which were initially announced for Monday, is only expected on Wednesday. The fire brigade is currently challenged, because even smaller forest fires have occurred, including a fire in Bad Wilsnack (Prignitz) over 200 square meters, which was deleted by the forest owner.

precautionary measures and warnings

In order to sensitize the population, the authorities have taken extensive precautionary measures. Citizens are urgently asked not to park vehicles on a slightly inflammatory surface and take a waste with them. It is also important to keep forest access as a escape routes. According to the forest fire protection officer Raimund Engel, these are necessary, since over 90 % of the forest fires are caused by human action, such as rbb24 reported.

The German Weather Service developed the forest fire hazard index (WBI) to evaluate the risk of forest fire. The index ranges from level one (very low danger) to five (very high danger). These levels serve as an orientation for nationwide warnings and decide on the measures that need to be taken. The current danger level in Saxony-Anhalt also corresponds to the second highest warning level four, which continues to make the situation threatening, as dwd Notes.

The forest fire season usually extends from March to the end of September, and while 2024 was relatively light, the conditions can quickly change as in the extreme year 2022 than more than 500 fires over 1,400 hectares. This makes it clear that spring and summer have to be carefully observed to ensure safety in the forests.

The advice of the authorities and the constant observation of the current weather conditions are essential in the current situation to prevent worse things. So stay vigilant and act responsibly to protect our forests.