The forest fire risk index of the German weather service is an indication for the individual authorities to judge the potential danger and issue warnings accordingly. At the moment, the danger is considered to be at a medium level, but could be higher in forest areas with mainly conifers, dry wood and remaining foliage from last year.

„If the sun shines as nicely as it does at the moment, many people might consider having a barbecue in the great outdoors. A lovely idea - but sun and wind dry out wood and leaves. It doesn’t necessarily needs a bonfire to cause a forest fire. Sparks from a barbecue grill or a cigarette butt, thrown away carelessly, could be enough if the wind then fans the fire. Forest fires mostly start as ground fires“, Schölmerich stressed.

Asked how to behave in a forest, the head of the regional forestry district replied: „Between March 1 and October 31 one should not smoke, light a fire or a barbecue in a forest or at the edge of a forest, or throw cigarette butts out of a car.“ Should a walker notice a forest fire, he or she is requested to call 112.

Violations of the regulations mentioned above can be fined. Causing a forest fire leads to personal liability including payment for the occurring damage as well as firefighting operations and a prosecution for arson.

Original text: Holger Willcke

Translation: Mareike Graepel