Keeping Germany's Forests Safe: Forest Fire Prevention and Consequences
Escalating Danger of Forest Fires - Strategies for Preparation
Weekends in Germany might see a spike in forest fire danger, with hotspots like the northeast hitting level 5 - the highest danger level. And it's not just the northeast. Many parts of Germany have the indicator at least at level 4.
To help minimize the risk, the German Forest Protection Association shares some simple tips:
- Avoid Smoking in the Forest: In various federal states, it's already forbidden to smoke in the forest between March 1 and October 31. But, in some areas like Saxony-Anhalt, the ban starts on February 15 and goes on until October 15. In others like Berlin, Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saxony, and Thuringia, the ban is year-round.
- No Open Fires or Grilling: Lighting fires or grilling is strictly prohibited in or near the forest because even a tiny spark can spark a wildfire during dry periods. Make sure to keep at least 100 meters away from the forest edge.
- Park Right: Park cars, motorcycles, and agricultural vehicles only on designated parking spots, not on meadows or forest paths. Hot catalytic converters can pose a fire risk to dry soil, grass, and leaves.
If something goes wrong or you spot a forest fire in its early stages, stay calm and dial 112. Provide details about the fire location, the type of fire (ground vegetation or tree crowns), potential risks to people, houses, and facilities, and your exact location. The "Help in the Forest" app can guide emergency services to your position during emergencies.
Forest Fires: Consequences
If you accidentally cause a fire, you'll be held responsible for the damages, but a private liability insurance should cover it if it's at least 15 million euros. However, if your car's hot catalytic converter starts the fire, your motor vehicle liability insurance will cover it.
Intentional forest fire-setting won't be covered by insurance. Instead, you might face fines or imprisonment of up to three years. Even negligence can lead to fines or imprisonment of up to one year.
Criminal and Civil Responsibility
Setting a forest fire intentionally or negligently is considered a criminal offense in Germany, with penalties including fines and imprisonment. Civil liability for damages - such as destruction of forest resources, property damage, and firefighting costs - may also apply.
Recently, German courts have started recognizing climate-related liabilities for companies and individuals contributing to climate change and its consequences. This legal development could impact future forest fire cases linked to climate factors or negligent behavior increasing fire risk[1][3].
Insurance Coverage for Forest Fires
Typical homeowner or property insurance often covers fire damage to buildings and contents, but deliberate acts by the policyholder won't be covered. Negligence may be covered, depending on the terms of the policy, and some policies may exclude coverage for wildfire risks or gross negligence[2].
[1] [https://www.reuters.com/business/eco/german-court-recognises-climate-loss-and-damage-liability-2021-05-28/][2] [https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/A-9-2020-0523_EN.html][3] [https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/29/climate/german-court-climate-change-liability.html]
- The German Forest Protection Association encourages the public to be mindful of a community policy that bans smoking in forests, especially during certain seasons, for forest fire prevention, such as in Saxony-Anhalt from February 15 to October 15.
- To help mitigate the impact of climate-change on forests, environmental-science and weather-forecasting might play a crucial role in predicting potential forest fire hotspots and determining preventive measures.
- In the event of a forest fire, individuals should utilize science-based resources like the "Help in the Forest" app to provide precise information about the fire location and risks to people, houses, and facilities, fostering a safer and more efficient response from emergency services.
