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Fire burning in forests near Bernau - Firefighting crews issue cautionary statements

Forest Fire Alert Issued for Brandenburg: Rapidly escalating fire hazard leads to urgent intervention by firefighting services in Barnim region.

, and ASMedia

2025 September 4 . 12:48 PM

2 min read

Flare-up in forests close to Bernau - Fire department issues alarm

Fire burning in forests near Bernau - Firefighting crews issue cautionary statements

Brandenburg Faces Increased Forest Fire Risk Amidst Record Wildfire Season

Brandenburg, Germany, is currently grappling with a heightened risk of forest fires, with approximately 54% of its land area under severe threat[1]. This year's wildfire season has been the most devastating on record in Germany, and Brandenburg has not been spared[1][4].

A fire has broken out at the Schönower Heide recreational area near Bernau[5]. The district of Oder-Spree currently has a risk level of two, indicating a moderate risk of forest fires[1]. The medium danger level three applies almost everywhere in Brandenburg[6].

The North East Control Center has issued a hazard information regarding the fire[7]. Due to the difficult water supply on site, water is being transported in a shuttle system[8]. A drone from the fire department is surveying the situation from the air, while initially, a police helicopter was also on site[7][9].

The cause of the fire is not yet clear, but the high risk is due to extensive pine forests, low rainfall, and sandy soils[10]. Other contributing factors include climate change effects such as extended droughts and heatwaves that dry out vegetation, creating highly flammable conditions[1][3]. Additionally, legacy land use patterns and forest management challenges, the expansion of residential areas near forests, and agricultural practices can also lead to increased fire risks[3].

Approximately 6,000 square meters of the nature reserve are affected by the fire[5]. However, firefighters have managed to prevent the fire from spreading[11]. The fire department is using fifteen fire trucks and several tanker trucks to fight the fire[12].

Brandenburg's large forest area (~292,000 hectares) and its strategic importance mean that coordinated efforts are critical. The integration of local knowledge, improved legislation, better land use planning, and investment in firefighting infrastructure form the pillars of wildfire prevention in the region[2][3].

Prevention and risk reduction measures underway or recommended in Brandenburg include implementing comprehensive wildfire governance reforms, limiting new development in identified high-risk fire zones, creating and maintaining firebreaks and vegetation clearance, using fire-resistant building materials, enhancing community awareness programs, applying prescribed burning, and improving firefighting capacity[3][5].

The authorities advise people to avoid the area due to smoke and gas[13]. The risk of forest fires in Brandenburg has slightly increased[14]. Despite these challenges, Brandenburg is actively working to implement multifaceted prevention and mitigation strategies based on recent peer review insights and scientific recommendations[1][2][3].

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