Red alert in Thuringia: forest fire danger reaches peak level!

Red alert in Thuringia: forest fire danger reaches peak level!

The forest fire season is showing its most critical side in parts of Germany this year. In the Heldburg Forestry Office in southern Thuringia, the highest warning level of five was reached on June 22, 2025. This means increased alertness for forestry employees and potential closures of large forest areas, such as MDR reported. Roland Kaiser, head of the Sonneberg Forestry Office, emphasizes that the current situation is not exceptionally tense, as cooler temperatures and rain in recent weeks have somewhat reduced the risk of fire.

The cool weather conditions in particular are in stark contrast to the extreme drought periods of previous years, particularly the dry year of 2019, when no precipitation fell for months. Despite the improved humidity conditions, forestry work in the forest is currently suspended for safety reasons. The responsible authorities have therefore set up regular patrols and contact with the fire brigade remains close in order to be able to react quickly to possible dangers.

Forest fire danger situation in Germany

The digital forest fire atlas offers comprehensive information on the current threat situation in German forests. The tool not only shows danger levels and forest areas, but also detailed wind and precipitation forecasts as well as water reservoirs for fire engines. Developed based on satellite information from NASA and data from the German Weather Service, the forest fire atlas is accessible to authorities and affected organizations and can also be used as a progressive web app (PWA). gdz.bkg mentioned.

In the last few days, alarming forest fire risks have been observed, especially in several federal states. For example, values ​​of five have already been reached in Bavaria, Brandenburg and Saxony, which indicates a very high risk. These threats became clear in the regional reports of the forest fire danger index, which currently shows the situation in various federal states. Areas where dry weather and high temperatures prevail are particularly affected, while the fire risk remains manageable in other regions.

Fire brigade and preventive measures

In many regions, the fire brigade is in great demand to be able to intervene quickly in the event of a fire. In areas such as Thuringia, special rescue points for hikers and helicopter landing pads have been set up in order to be able to provide efficient help in an emergency. It remains particularly important that citizens are made aware of fuel sources for forest fires and how they themselves can contribute to prevention.

Careful observation of the weather situation and regular information through the forest fire atlas help to inform everyone involved about the current risk situation and to act in a timely manner. Despite today's warning levels, the situation must continue to be viewed with a keen eye to ensure safety in the forests. For more information on the Wildfire Danger Index, visit the website weatherhazards.de.