Alert issued by firefighters regarding elevated fire hazard due to use of fireworks
Headline: Incident Commander Warns of High Fire Risk, Urges Caution in Dry Weather
In the small town of Bedburg-Hau, a hedge fire broke out on August 12, 2025, in the "Green Corner" area. The incident was caused by the use of a gas burner, and while it was extinguished before the arrival of the fire department, it serves as a stark reminder of the increased fire risk due to persistent drought and high temperatures.
Tobias Lamers, the incident commander, is appealing for caution and urging the population to refrain from risky outdoor work, particularly the use of gas burners for tasks like weed removal. "A brief moment of carelessness can trigger a major fire," Lamers warns.
To reduce the risk of grassland fires when using a gas burner in dry weather, several precautions should be taken. It's crucial to check weather conditions beforehand, have firefighting equipment on-site and easily accessible, wet down the surrounding area before starting to use the burner, never leave the gas burner unattended, maintain equipment properly, train personnel to stop work immediately if smoke or fire is detected, and avoid use during the hottest part of the day and under windy conditions.
Lamers also emphasises the importance of monitoring the work area constantly and having extinguishing agents ready for those who cannot avoid using gas burners. After the fire was extinguished, the fire department used a thermal imaging camera to check the affected area for any remaining embers, highlighting the need for vigilance even after a fire is seemingly under control.
The grassland fire index is at the second highest warning level this week, and the fire department has issued a warning about the high fire risk. Lamers concludes his appeal by emphasising the importance of the population's safety, urging everyone to remain attentive even after the work is completed.
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