Kleiner Held Lennard (8) stops fire and saves Neuendorf!

Kleiner Held Lennard (8) stops fire and saves Neuendorf!

Neuendorf, Deutschland - Summer not only brings the sun and vacation mood, but also a worrying increase in forest fires in Germany and all of Europe. As the situation in Neuendorf (Vorpommern-Greifswald) shows, there are also remarkable examples of determined action in the face of the flames. A small hero in this story is the eight -year -old Lennard, who recently discovered a burning fire and became active with a creative approach.

at around 12:45 p.m., on the way from school home, he had a awake feeling for dangers. As he walked on the street, he noticed Rauch, who first reminded him of a fire bowl. But when he saw the smoke, he was aware that there was a need for action here. Although his grandpa had warned him to stay away from the smoke, Lennard could not watch stand. He grabbed a key, ran home and took a bottle of fruit taste to put the fire too.

Lennard's courageous use

With his water in his hand, he stormed back to the fire site and poured the liquid over the burning grass. He also bravely kicked the smoking spots to suffocate the fire. The suspicion that a cigarette left behind triggered the flames was confirmed when cigarette butt was discovered at the scene. After successfully deleting, Lennard left his mother Vanessa a message on her mailbox, which proudly reported on his adventure. For him, he said it was an instinctive action - and he noted that his friend was at the fire brigade, which may have inspired him.

"It is important to educate children about such dangers," emphasizes Vanessa. Her pride in Lennard's brave step cannot be denied. "The children have to be sensitized to such situations," she adds. And while there are currently some forest fires in Germany, it becomes more clear than ever that every little act counts.

forest fires as a serious danger

The situation in Neuendorf is not an isolated case. Current forest fires in Europe - especially in Turkey, Crete and Gohrischheide - show that the risk of forest fire is omnipresent. Climate change plays a significant role in extending the forest fire season and increasing the risks. According to current statistics, around 96 percent of forest fires in Germany are caused by human action, with high spirits and negligence usually the problem. Ingenieur reports that only two percent of the fires can be traced back to natural causes such as lightning strikes.

It is all the more important to find out about prevention measures: Tagesschau lists some tips, including the ban on open fire near forests and responsible disposal of cigarettes. In addition, we should all make sure to report suspicious smoke developments immediately.

The relationships between our forests and climate change are becoming increasingly clear. In recent years, in 2022, for example, around 2700 hectares of forest burned in Germany, a state that endangers the stability and vitality of our ecosystems. The Freiburg forestry and research institute is working on concepts to improve forest fire management, and it is not only based on technical aids, but also on the education and cooperation between forester and firefighters.

Although the challenges are great, the stories of brave individuals like Lennard are a glimmer of hope and show that each of us plays a role to protect our forests and our communities.