Danger of forest fires in Saxony-Anhalt: Major fire increases area balance!

Danger of forest fires in Saxony-Anhalt: Major fire increases area balance!

The risk of forest fires remains a topic that is still on people's minds this year. On October 1, 2025, Andreas Goldschmidt from the State Forest Center in Halberstadt commented on the forest fire events in Saxony-Anhalt. He estimates that 2025 will be considered below average overall. This is surprising given that dry and hot periods resulting from climate change are increasingly creating combustible conditions. In recent years there have been devastating impacts from forest fires, particularly in southern European countries, the USA and the Amazon region. But Germany is not spared from this either. Over 1,200 hectares of land were devastated by fires in 2023, which is an alarming sign.

This year, a major fire occurred in Jütrichau, Anhalt-Bitterfeld district, where 49.18 hectares went up in flames between July 5th and 10th. In comparison, the area of ​​grain burned was significantly larger, which illustrates the drama of the situation. A total of 64 forest fires were reported in Saxony-Anhalt by September 23, 2025, extending over 68.09 hectares. This is an increase compared to last year, when 37 fires were recorded across 38.95 hectares. Goldschmidt referred to the dry spring, which contributes massively to the increased risk of forest fires.

Statistics and facts

The wildfire threat is a dynamic phenomenon that requires constant monitoring. In 2023, there were 1,059 forest fires in Germany, a notable decrease of half compared to 2022. Nevertheless, the affected forest area of ​​1,240 hectares was above the long-term average of 710 hectares. Brandenburg and Lower Saxony are the federal states that were most affected. The greatest destruction was recorded in Brandenburg in particular, with 765.2 hectares of fire area, which accounts for over half of Germany's forest fire area.

• 2023: 1.059 Waldbrände in Deutschland
• Betroffene Fläche: 1.240 Hektar
• Schaden: 1,19 Millionen Euro

Another point that the statistics highlight is the causes of these fires. Around 40% of forest fires are the result of human activity, be it arson or carelessness. Interestingly, for 51% of fires in 2023, no causes could be determined. It turns out that careless behavior by forest visitors or campers is often the reason for these devastating fires.

Risks and prevention

The events clearly show that the risk of forest fires will not subside. The period between May and July represented peak wildfire season in 2023, and forecasts indicate that these seasons will change in the coming years. Preventive measures, such as converting conifer monocultures into mixed forests with a high proportion of hardwood, are considered necessary to defuse the danger situation.

Overall, the situation surrounding forest fires remains complex. The increased temperatures, lower rainfall and the changed ecosystem demand our actions. It is everyone's responsibility to manage our forests sustainably, while always keeping the dangers of forest fires in mind, in order to protect valuable habitats and reverse worrying trends. The role of politics and the public is becoming increasingly important in developing and implementing suitable prevention strategies.

Another aspect is the health risk posed by the emissions released during a forest fire. Fine dust and greenhouse gases not only pose a threat to the environment, but can also directly affect the health of the population.

The challenges are therefore great, and joint and committed action is needed to meet the challenges of the future forest fire season. It remains to be hoped that we can learn from the experience and take the necessary steps to prevent forest fires in order to be prepared for climate change.