Trigger Warning: This article discusses topics related to forest fires, smoking regulations, and potential penalties.
Warning: Increased Forest Fire Risk amid Summer Heat! Here's What You Need to Know
Rising fire hazard in forests: Essential factors to contemplate promptly
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With scorching temperatures and dry conditions sweeping across Germany, the risk of forest fires has skyrocketed. Firefighters have already battled a handful of smaller blazes. To keep vegetation fires at bay, hikers and drivers must heed the advice of firefighters, authorities, and insurers:
Current Situation
Currently, the German Weather Service (DWD) is issuing warnings about a heightened forest fire hazard, particularly in the northeast and some southwestern regions, with danger level four in Brandenburg, parts of Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, and Lower Saxony. The dry weather is expected to persist until Saturday, but rain is forecasted from the west on Sunday, which should help reduce the forest fire risk.
Smoking Restrictions in Forests
As you're well aware, an absolute smoking ban applies in forests from March to October. In several federal states like Berlin, Brandenburg, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saxony, Thuringia, and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, smoking in the forest is off-limits year-round. Discarding cigarettes from cars or trains can quickly lead to a bush fire along roads or railway tracks. And despite the burning glass effect from tossed bottles or broken glass being a scientific myth, this litter doesn't belong in the woods either.
Open Fire Restrictions
Camp and barbecue fires are only allowed at designated fireplaces. Elsewhere, no fire may be lit in or near the forest. In most cases, a distance of at least 100 meters from the forest edge must be maintained, with some federal states requiring a minimum of 50 meters. The fire needs constant supervision, as embers can cause a fire hours or even days later.
Considerations for Drivers
When venturing into nature, drivers should stick to designated parking spaces, as hot exhaust systems can ignite grass surfaces. This applies to all models with catalysts located on the vehicle floor, and increasingly to vehicles meeting the Euro VI emission standard. When these are switched to regeneration mode, exceptionally high temperatures can occur.
Enrichment Data: General Regulations and Measures
- Restrictions on Open Fires: During high fire risk periods, many jurisdictions restrict or prohibit open fires in forest areas. These restrictions help minimize fire risks.
- Penalties for Violations: Penalties for flouting fire restrictions can include fines, imprisonment, or both, depending on the severity of the offence and local laws.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Governments frequently conduct public awareness campaigns to inform people about fire risks and the importance of adhering to restrictions.
- Forest Fire Monitoring: Authorities may increase surveillance and monitoring during high-risk periods to quickly respond to any fires.
- Prescribed Burning: In some regions, controlled burns are used to reduce the risk of wildfires by clearing undergrowth and debris under controlled conditions.
for specific regulations in Germany, it's recommended to consult local government or forestry service websites for the most current information.
Reaction in Case of a Forest Fire
In the event of a forest or field fire, immediately contact the fire department at emergency number 112 or the police at emergency number 110, providing as much detail as possible regarding the fire's location, size, and nature (whether it's burning at the base or in the crowns), and your own location. Attempt to contain the fire with initial extinguishing efforts, but always prioritize your safety.
Insurance Coverage for Forest Fire Damages
Private liability insurance covers damages caused by forest fires, provided the fire wasn't intentionally set. Gross negligence, or the violation of duties of care, is also covered. Forest owners can purchase special insurance policies against fire damage.
Sources: ntv.de, Andrea Hentschel, AFP
- Fires
- Forest fires
- Extreme weather
[1] "Controlled Burn Management in forests and grasslands," CAL FIRE, [https://www.fire.ca.gov/media/76722/cbm_manual_primer.pdf].[3] "Prescribed Burning: An Overview," National Interagency Fire Center, [https://www.nifc.gov/fireinfo/faq/docs/prescribed-burning.pdf].
- The Commission has also been consulted on the following issues: the increased forest fire risk amid summer heat, the need for hikers and drivers to heed the advice of firefighters, authorities, and insurers, and the enrichment data related to general regulations and measures for managing forest fires during high-risk periods.
- In light of the warning issued by the German Weather Service (DWD) about a heightened forest fire hazard, particularly in Saxony and other northeastern and southwestern regions, it's important to prioritize prevention measures against fires, such as adhering to smoking restrictions in forests and open fire restrictions.
- During high-risk periods, forest fires can cause significant damage, warranting the examination of insurance coverage for forest fire damages, including private liability insurance and special insurance policies for forest owners.
