NewsPlenty of sunshine at the weekend - but now...

Plenty of sunshine at the weekend – but now forest fires are threatening across Germany

Due to dry weather, the risk of forest fires is increasing throughout Germany. The highest warning level is expected in parts of the country.

Munich – The Omega high Martin is currently providing a lot of sunshine throughout Germany. On the other hand, it also ensures dry weather, so the Federal Republic is largely spared from rain at the weekend. However, this circumstance should be treated with caution, as the drought is accompanied by an increasing risk of fire throughout the country.

Weather in Germany: risk of forest fires across the country – in Saxony there is even the highest warning level

The sunny weather* will spread from west to east in the coming days. In some places to the east, for example on the German-Polish border, it can reach around ten degrees, but on the Rhine, Moselle and Saar peaks of up to 17 degrees are expected. But the warm sun should not deceive you about the dangers that it could pose.

The risk of forest fires is increasing across the country. It is expected that the second highest level of forest fire danger will be declared. In Lusatia in Saxony, for example, the highest level of five could even apply. In Brandenburg, the fire brigade had to extinguish smaller forest fires in Groß Köris (Dahme-Spreewald) on around 200 square meters of ground and in Welzow (Spree-Neisse) on 600 square meters on Thursday. According to the fire brigade, a fire that had broken out in the Teltow-Fläming district could be extinguished right from the start thanks to vigilant citizens. There were also other smaller wildfires outside the forest.

Weather: Bavaria’s Minister of Forestry warns: “Even a discarded cigarette butt can be enough”

The warning also applies in Bavaria given the dry weather. The second highest warning level four has also been in effect in northern Bavaria and parts of the Bavarian Alps since Friday. This was announced by Forest Minister Michaela Kaniber from the CSU*, she warned of thoughtless actions that could start a fire. “Even a spark or a carelessly discarded cigarette butt can be enough to start a serious fire.” The reason for this is also the dry, highly flammable leaves, twigs and needles that cover the ground in many places.

In addition, Kaniber warned to comply with the smoking ban in forests, and the risk from vehicles with hot catalytic converters is also quite high. “In your own interest, you should never park on easily ignitable ground.” According to Kaniber, the risk of forest fires would only decrease again with heavy rainfall. The German Weather Service also issued a warning for Bavaria*.

Weather in Germany: the risk of forest fires is not the only concern when it is dry

The risk of forest fires is a matter for the federal states, which is why the population is encouraged to find out about warnings from the relevant authorities at the weekend. In some parts, visitors could be prohibited from entering the forests if there is a high risk of forest fires. But the danger is not only in the forests, fires are also possible in open spaces or shoulders. (ajr) *Merkur.de is an offer from IPPEN.MEDIA

Category list image: © Soeren Stache

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