The risk of forest fires is increasing in Bavaria due to the dry weather. © Imago/ dpa-Bildfunk/ Photomontage: echo24.de
Finally summery weather in Bavaria. But along with the temperatures, the risk of forest fires is also increasing. Lower Franconia is particularly affected – there is also an increased risk in Munich.
Munich – The risk of forest fires is currently increasing in many regions of Bavaria. The state capital is also affected. This was reported by the German Weather Service (DWD) on Thursday (01 June) and published forecasts of the forest fire index. This indicates the risk of forest fires in 5 danger levels: 1 = very low danger to 5 = very high danger.
What do the forest fire danger levels mean?
Level 1 "very low risk": The forest can be entered without restrictions and the forest fire warning has been lifted.
Level 2 "low risk": In principle, there is no restriction on entering the forest. However, in order to avoid sources of ignition, increased caution is required. Vehicles may continue to be parked in forest parking lots. Only in case of emergency, paths with dry ground vegetation should be used.
Level 3 "medium danger": The competent authority may close the forest. Entering the forest is still allowed, but increased caution should be exercised when using forest parking lots. Public fireplaces or barbecue areas in and around the forest may no longer be used.
Level 4 "high hazard": In forest areas, public roads and paths, as well as forest paths of all kinds, should not be abandoned. The forestry department can block designated parking spaces, as well as tourist facilities in the forest. The competent authorities shall take additional fire protection measures if necessary.
Level 5 "very high risk": The forest owner and the forestry authority are allowed to close the forest. The forest should not be entered or driven on. Exceptions apply only to control activities by the forestry authority, as well as to fire protection, rescue service or disaster control.
Sources: DWD, MDR
For the state capital, the DWD determines a level three danger situation for the period from 01 to 06 June ("medium danger"). The risk of forest fires is similar due to the weather in cities such as Augsburg, Memmingen and Günzburg. In Nuremberg, Würzburg, Bamberg and Regensburg, on the other hand, the weather service temporarily declares warning level four.
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Critical situation in Bad Kissingen: Aerial observation with aircraft
In the Lower Franconian town of Bad Kissingen, the highest danger level prevailed on Thursday (01 June), according to the German Press Agency (dpa), citing the DWD report. The government of Lower Franconia has therefore ordered an aerial observation with aircraft for the weekend, according to a press release.
This aerial observation operation is financed by "funds from the Civil Protection Fund," it continues. The pilots are volunteers. According to the information, the air observation is not only looking at the risk of forest fires, but also at bark beetle infestation and traffic, according to the dpa.
How to help prevent a forest fire
The population in the affected areas is therefore asked to "be particularly careful in forest areas". The risk is highest in the hot afternoon hours, but the risk of forest fires is also high at night.
As every year, there are simple tips to follow to reduce the risk of a forest fire.
- No open fire (e.g. when barbecuing) or open light such as torches or lanterns in forests or meadows.
- Do not smoke in the woods and never throw cigarette butts out of the car or train window.
- Access roads to forests must be kept clear for fire engines day and night.
- Do not throw waste into nature: Shards can act like burning glasses.
- Always alert the fire brigade (emergency number 112) immediately – even if it is an apparently small fire or smoke. Many fires can be extinguished by rapid intervention at an early stage.
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