Suche
Midsummer brings the highest risk of forest fires back to Saxony!
Current forest fire danger in northern Saxony: The highest warning level is threatened by persistent drought and warm temperatures. Find out more!
Midsummer brings the highest risk of forest fires back to Saxony!
After a rainy July, dry weather returns to Saxony in August. This brings unpleasant news for nature and forest lovers: the risk of forest fires could reach the highest warning level in the next few days. On Thursday, warning level 5, also known as very high danger, is forecast for parts of the districts of Northern Saxony and Bautzen as well as for the city of Dresden stern.de reported.
In the northern regions of Saxony, the second highest warning level, 4, was detected on Tuesday. The German Weather Service (DWD) forecasts more than 30 degrees for the coming week. There is no rain in sight until Friday, further increasing the risk of forest fires. There was previously a devastating forest fire in Gohrischheide on the state border with Brandenburg at the beginning of July, which is considered one of the largest forest fires in recent decades.
Rules in the forest area
The security situation in the forest remains tense. There is a ban on using open fires in the forest all year round, regardless of the respective forest fire danger levels. The bans include smoking, barbecuing, campfires and releasing sky lanterns. According to the Saxon Forest Act (Section 15 SächsWaldG), violations are to be viewed as administrative offenses and can be punished with fines, as the official website of Sachsen.de explained.
In addition, no open fires may be lit within 100 meters of the forest. Old habits are a thing of the past, as the release of sky lanterns has been completely prohibited in the Free State of Saxony since 2009. Compliance with these regulations is monitored by the municipalities and the fines can be up to 1,000 euros. In the event of a fire, the fire brigade should be alerted by calling the emergency number 112.
Information about the risk of forest fires
The forest fire season in Saxony began on March 1st and is monitored daily by Sachsenforst and the German Weather Service. The current danger situation is assessed for 31 Saxon forecast regions in five danger levels (1 to 5). In 2024 there were 94 forest fires in Saxony, which is a decrease compared to 2023 with 110 fires. This is due, among other things, to the above-average rainfall this year, as stated in the report Saxon Switzerland National Park is to be read.
But the situation could change quickly. Current weather data shows less precipitation and higher temperatures, increasing the risk of wildfires. Around 75% of forest fires are caused by humans, with negligent behavior playing a major role. Another major risk arises from heated vehicle catalytic converters near dry ground vegetation.
Forest owners are called upon to take preventive measures to reduce the fire burden. A mobile app, the “Forest Fire Danger Saxony”, also provides information about the current danger situation and offers an emergency call function. This app is available free of charge in popular app stores. At increased danger levels 4 and 5, people should exercise particular caution: access to forests could be restricted.
In these uncertain times, awareness of the risk of wildfires and compliance with regulations are crucial. Everyone can do their part to protect valuable nature.