Risk of forest fires in NRW is increasing: where the risk is particularly high

Created: 07/15/2022, 07:07

By: Benjamin Stroka

In several regions of North Rhine-Westphalia, the risk of forest fires will increase in the next few days.

The country urges caution – otherwise there will be penalties.

Düsseldorf – High temperatures and very little rain – this is not a good combination for nature and especially for the forests in NRW.

The next heat wave in North Rhine-Westphalia is also threatening at the weekend and at the start of the next week.

The country warns of an increased risk of forest fires.

Anyone who is currently behaving incorrectly in the forest, and for example smokes, also risks severe fines, reports 24RHEIN.

The risk of forest fires in NRW is increasing - and the next heat wave is looming

According to the German Weather Service (DWD), there is a “high risk” of forest fires in several NRW regions, especially from Monday (July 18).

At several DWD stations, including in Düsseldorf, Cologne or Duisburg, the so-called forest fire risk index for next Monday is at the second highest level.

The state and first cities therefore warn citizens to be careful.

After all, most forest fires are still caused by humans.

"Particularly at risk are damaged spruce areas, on which storms, drought and bark beetle infestation have led to an increase in dry wood residues," reports the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.

The risk of forest fires is also increasing in NRW (symbol image).

© Markus Klümper/Imago

Forest fire: The risk is particularly high in these regions in NRW

The forest fire risk index of the German Weather Service indicates the current forest fire risk for several regions in North Rhine-Westphalia.

According to current measurements, the risk is highest in these areas next Monday (July 18):

Source: German Weather Service;

As of July 14, 5:20 p.m

also read

New file number program "XY solved" looks back on the Mirco murder case

Cologne police make explosive discovery: truck transports ten tons of unsecured explosives

Increased risk of forest fires in NRW: How to behave correctly

► Do not smoke in the forest.

From March 1st to October 31st, i.e. in spring, summer and autumn, there is an absolute smoking ban.

There are fines of up to 150 euros.

► Do not grill or light an open fire in the forest.

The ban also applies within a radius of 100 meters around a forest.

There are fines of up to 5000 euros.

► If you notice smoke or fire in the forest, report the fires by calling emergency number 112. You should then leave the danger area as quickly as possible.

► Anyone who sees a small incipient fire can extinguish it "if it is possible without risk", as recommended by the State Office for Forest and Wood NRW.

Source: State Office for Forests and Wood NRW

Danger of forest fires in NRW: Smoking and fire threaten high penalties

"The risk of forest fires has increased in recent years," said Christopher Böttcher, forest fire expert from the DWD in spring at the request of 24RHEIN.

So what should people watch out for in the forest?

“It is crucial that forest visitors are aware of the danger and behave carefully.

Unfortunately, this means not smoking, barbecuing and bonfires," explains Alfred Edelhoff, an expert in forest security at Wald und Holz NRW.

Anyone who does not follow the rules must expect severe penalties.

In the new catalog of fines for the environment, lighting a fire or barbecuing in the forest, for example, incurs a fine of up to 5,000 euros.

Smoking in the forest is generally prohibited from March to October.

Anyone who still reaches for a cigarette in the forest risks a fine of 150 euros.

However, visitors to the forest can also be of help, emphasizes the State Office for Forests and Wood NRW.

"Equipped with mobile phones, the reporting times are now enormously reduced with their help," explains the authority.

If you are walking in the woods and notice smoke or flames, dial 112 immediately.