Waldbrand in Saxony: Rauch and soot put a strain on the air quality!

Waldbrand in Saxony: Rauch and soot put a strain on the air quality!

Zeithain, Deutschland - Today, on July 3, 2025, a forest fire in the Gohrischheide near Zeithain ensures worrying air conditions in Saxony. According to the Saxon State Office for the Environment, Agriculture and Geology, which constantly monitors the situation, the flames not only bring smoke, but also an unpleasant smell of fire. The effects are noticeable in several cities, especially in the Dresden region, where increased fine dust and soot concentrations have been measured. Medienervice Sachsen reports that from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. the soot concentration in Radebeul-Wahnsdorf at 2.41 micrograms/m³ and in Dresden-Nord was 3.26 micrograms/m³, while the normal values ​​for these stations were 0.6 to 0.6 1.1 micrograms/m³.

What does that mean for the residents? While the air quality does not yet exceed the limit values, the measured values ​​are significantly higher than usual. The measuring stations in Görlitz and Bautzen record PM10 fine dust concentrations of 54 and 37 micrograms/m³. Since the fire rages in difficult to access terrain and has not yet been deleted, the experts expect the environmental authority that the odor and smoke loads will continue to impair air quality.

monitoring of air quality

The monitoring of the air quality takes place around the clock in order to recognize potential dangers for the population at an early stage. A look at the website of the Saxon Ministry of the Environment shows that there are technical difficulties that could make access to more precise data difficult. This underlines the importance of continuous and reliable measurement of the pollutant concentrations, especially in times of crisis.

In a comprehensive report of the State Office for the Environment, Agriculture and Geology it is also documented that the air quality in the Free State of Saxony has been improved in 2023. Target values ​​for the protection of vegetation were met and there were no injuries to the border and target values ​​for other air pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide or ozone. This is a positive trend, which, however, receives a damper through the current events.

The situation remains tense and the responsible appeals to the population, especially to pay attention to air quality. While the soot concentrations are falling according to the current trend, it must be seen how the fire develops and whether it leads to an impairment that requires a faster reaction. It is to be hoped that the emergency services will soon be able to regain control over the flames.