Elevated danger of forest fires reported in seven counties
Brandenburg Faces High Forest Fire Risk Amidst Dry Conditions and Extensive Pine Forests
Brandenburg, the federal state with the highest forest fire risk in Germany, is currently experiencing a high wildfire threat due to a combination of climatic, environmental, and land use factors. The state, known for its extensive pine forests and sandy soils, has been particularly vulnerable to forest fires in recent years.
Climate Factors Contributing to Wildfire Risk
Prolonged dry and warm conditions, often combined with heatwaves, have increased fire susceptibility in Brandenburg. The state has experienced low precipitation, high summer temperatures, and sandy soil that dries out quickly. The German Weather Service forecasted continued dry, hot weather with temperatures exceeding 30°C, heightening fire risk.
Forest Composition and Historical Land Use
Brandenburg's expansive pine forests are especially vulnerable to fire due to their resinous nature and typical forest structure. Additionally, unexploded ordnance scattered across about 292,000 hectares complicates fire management and suppression efforts in Brandenburg, restricting safe access and firefighting.
Current Forest Fire Situation in Brandenburg
2025 has been recorded as the worst wildfire year in Germany's recent history, with over 5,250 hectares burned nationwide by mid-July, surpassing previous records. Brandenburg has seen over 200 forest fires by early July 2025, already exceeding the total number in 2024. Most of its counties are at a medium fire danger level (level 3 out of 5), except Prignitz (level 2).
Comparison to Other Federal States
Brandenburg ranks among the highest-risk states in Germany, with 54% of land at high wildfire risk, close to Sachsen-Anhalt (55%). Saarland and Rheinland-Pfalz exhibit even higher proportions, at 68% and 56%, respectively.
Public Advisories and Awareness
Official advisories recommend heightened caution for residents and tourists to minimize fire-starting risks. With the forecasted continued heat and dryness throughout summer, the risk remains elevated.
Broader Context
Europe faces a severe climate emergency with wildfires and heatwaves increasing due to human-induced climate change. The EU reported a 117% increase in burned area compared to a 19-year average by mid-2025, with Germany notably impacted. Similar patterns of extreme fires are observed in France, Spain, and Portugal, highlighting a continental trend of worsening wildfire risks driven by hotter, drier conditions.
In summary, Brandenburg's growing wildfire risk results from a convergence of climatic changes, forest characteristics, land use legacies, and management challenges such as unexploded ordnance. Its current fire incidence and risk level rank it among the most vulnerable federal states in Germany, underscoring the need for tailored risk management strategies and increased public awareness.
Science indicates that Brandenburg's wildfire risk is aggravated by environmental factors such as climate-change, including prolonged dry periods, heatwaves, and sandy soils, accentuating the vulnerability of its extensive pine forests. This risk is further compounded by the presence of large amounts of environmental-science data suggesting that climate change will continue to contribute to increased weather extremes.
