Smoking in the Harz Railway becomes expensive: fine increases to 250 euros!

Smoking in the Harz Railway becomes expensive: fine increases to 250 euros!

The Harz narrow -gauge railways (HSB) draw consequences from the continued drought and the associated increased risk of forest fire. In a step towards containing risks, the fine for violations of the smoking ban is significantly increased. From July 1st, passengers will have to dig deep into the pocket for smoking on trains and on platforms: the punishment increases from 60 euros to 250 euros. This reported MDR where the ban will not only include cigarettes, but also fireless e-cigarettes.

This clear sign should not only be deterred, but also to contribute to the safety of everyone present, because there is an absolute ban on smoking during particularly dry phases. Compliance is increasingly monitored by train attendants and, if necessary, security forces. The result of a drought in Germany, which has been going on for weeks, also ensures alarm mood: the risk of forest fire is increased, especially in regions such as Brandenburg, Saxony-Anhalt and Lower Saxony, where the danger level has already reached four, such as n-tv reports

make the current danger recognizable

The risk of fire is not only limited to the HSB trains: According to the German Weather Service (DWD), the risk of forest fires in Germany is steadily increasing. An absolute waiver of smoking in forests is mandatory from March to October, in some federal states all year round. Throwing cigarette residues from cars or trains is taboo to avoid embankment fires. In addition, fire should only be ignited in designated areas, whereby the distance to the forest edge should be at least 100 meters.

Once there is a fire or there is a suspicion, the fire brigade should be alerted under number 112 or the police under 110. In the long -term average, there are an average of 1100 forest fires in Germany, which destroy around 780 hectares. In 2023, over 1,200 hectares were destroyed by fires, which shows that our country is also increasingly affected by this problem, as Statista

consequences and prevention

The main causes of forest fires are arson and negligence. It is particularly alarming that fires that can be traced back to natural causes made up for 27 cases in 2023. The financial and environmental balance sheet is devastating: forest fires not only cause surface losses, but also massive damage to air quality. These challenges make it all the more important to consistently counteract the fire threats.

The HSB wants to raise a greater awareness of this threat not only for passengers, but also in society. You have definitely proven a good hand with it, because preventive measures are the best protection against impending mishap. To all travelers: Please remember! Together we can protect our forests.