Smoking on the Harz train is becoming expensive: the fine increases to 250 euros!

Smoking on the Harz train is becoming expensive: the fine increases to 250 euros!

The Harz Narrow Gauge Railways (HSB) are drawing conclusions from the ongoing drought and the associated increased risk of forest fires. In a step to curb risks, the fine for violating the smoking ban will be significantly increased. From July 1st, passengers will have to dig deep into their pockets for smoking on trains and platforms: the fine will rise from 60 euros to a whopping 250 euros. This reported MDR, which also emphasizes that the ban will cover not only cigarettes, but also fireless e-cigarettes.

This clear sign is not only intended to deter people, but also contribute to the safety of everyone present, as there is an absolute ban on smoking during particularly dry periods. Compliance will be increasingly monitored by train attendants and, if necessary, by security forces. The result of a drought that has been ongoing in Germany for weeks is also causing alarm: the risk of forest fires is increased, especially in regions such as Brandenburg, Saxony-Anhalt and Lower Saxony, where the danger level has already reached four n-tv reports.

Identify current danger

The risk of fire is not just limited to HSB trains: According to the German Weather Service (DWD), the risk of forest fires in Germany is constantly increasing. A complete ban on smoking in forests is required from March to October, and in some federal states even all year round. Throwing cigarette butts from cars or trains is taboo to avoid embankment fires. In addition, fires should only be lit in designated areas, with a distance of at least 100 meters from the edge of the forest.

If there is a fire or there is suspicion, you should immediately call the fire department on 112 or the police on 110. On a long-term average, there are an average of 1,100 forest fires per year in Germany, which destroy around 780 hectares of land. In 2023, over 1,200 hectares were destroyed by fires, which shows that our country is also increasingly affected by this problem Statista impressively presented.

Consequences and prevention

The main causes of forest fires include arson and negligence. What is particularly alarming is that fires attributed to natural causes accounted for just 27 cases in 2023. The financial and environmental impact is devastating: forest fires not only cause loss of land, but also massive damage to air quality. These challenges make it all the more important to consistently counteract the risk of fire.

With the new regulations, HSB would like to raise awareness of this threat not only among passengers, but also in society. They have definitely shown a good hand, because preventative measures are the best protection against an impending mishap. To all travelers: please remember this! Together we can protect our forests.