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The risk of forest fires is increasing in Saxony-Anhalt: Alarm in several regions!
In the Salzland district, the forest fire risk rises to level 4. Further information about affected regions and safety measures here.
The risk of forest fires is increasing in Saxony-Anhalt: Alarm in several regions!
It's that time again: the risk of forest fires is increasing in Saxony-Anhalt. The second highest danger level (level 4 out of 5) has been in effect in several regions since Tuesday. Those affected include the city of Magdeburg as well as the Altmarkkreis Salzwedel, Salzlandkreis, Mansfeld-Südharz district and the Harz district. There is acute vigilance there, as public roads, paths and forest paths are not allowed to be left. This reports MDR.
Anyone moving in the Harz or Altmarkkreis should exercise particular caution. The Harz narrow-gauge railways have temporarily stopped using steam locomotives to avoid flying sparks, which can cause forest fires. Instead, diesel locomotives will be used again and will make five daily trips between Drei Annen Hohne and the Brocken from Tuesday. This replacement timetable applies until further notice in order to protect the areas at risk, such as n-tv reported.
Summer heat and drought
The forecasts for the coming days are not exactly rosy: high temperatures of up to 37 degrees and hardly any precipitation can be expected in Saxony-Anhalt. This significantly increases the risk of forest fires. On Monday there was already a fire involving garden waste near Ballenstedt airfield, which spread to the surrounding vegetation. Seven fire departments were deployed and the extinguishing operation was successfully completed in the evening.
The Hexe 1 fire-fighting aircraft is stationed at the airfield and has already been deployed several times in the Harz in the past. In order to protect the forest and people, the population is called upon to be vigilant and avoid potential sources of fire.
Fires in recent years
A look at the past shows how urgent these measures are. In 2022, 2,397 fires were registered in Germany, which destroyed around 3,058 hectares of forest area - which is roughly the size of the East Frisian island of Borkum. This figure is alarming as it is more than three times higher than the annual average since 1991, which is 847 hectares. The majority of fires occurred between June and August, highlighting the problem in the hot summer months. The loss of land was particularly severe in Brandenburg and Saxony, as the report shows Environmental dialogue proven.
Given such serious statistics, it is even more important to take preventative measures and pay attention to nature. With a little consideration, we can work together to ensure that our forests continue to thrive.