Waldbrand in Thuringia: Smoke warnings reach Bavaria - Health endangered!

Waldbrand in Thuringia: Smoke warnings reach Bavaria - Health endangered!

A heavy forest fire caused worrying smoke loads in several counties on Monday, July 3, 2025, on the Saalfeld Höhe in Thuringia. As the Merkur , the flue gas move across the border to Bavaria. The districts of Kronach, Kulmbach and Hof are particularly affected, all of which warn of the health burden of smoke.

In Thuringia, the districts of Sonneberg and Saale-Orla district are on alert. The warnings include clear recommendations: windows and doors should remain closed, ventilation and air conditioning systems should be switched off in order to keep the inhaled air as clean as possible. In the Kronach district, it is pointed out that health impairments cannot be excluded from the flue gases. The Hof district, on the other hand, does not consider any special protective measures to be necessary and exclude a significant health risk.

Current situation and size of the fire

The forest fire extends over an impressive 250 hectares, and the disaster alarm was triggered in the afternoon at 5:30 p.m. Numerous emergency services are on site and another 100 firefighters from southern Thuringia are requested. The emergency services are preparing for a long time, since the situation remains tense for the time being, as Antenne

The Federal Environment Agency points out that forest fires released various pollutants, including fine dust, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAK) and carbon monoxide. The fine particles (pm2.5) are particularly dangerous, which can penetrate deeply into the lungs and can cause considerable complications of health. The irritation of the respiratory tract and the possibility of lung problems also make the situation in the regions concerned questionable. Risk groups, such as people with existing respiratory diseases or cardiovascular problems, should be particularly careful, as on the side of the Federal Environment Agency can be read.

The health risks caused by smoke cannot be taken lightly. Anyone who lives near the fire stove or even linger in the affected areas should be particularly careful and take the recommendations of the authorities seriously.