With the current heatwave and ongoing drought, the risk of forest and wildfires is also increasing here. On the website of the German Weather Service (www.dwd.de/EN/services/forestfirehaz/forestfirehaz.html) you can find information about the current forest fire risk in a specific area.
The proper behavior of forest visitors is especially important now, as the majority of forest fires in Germany are caused by carelessness or intentional acts. According to Allianz Insurance, only about five percent of forest fires have a natural cause.
Therefore, please particularly observe the following rules during periods of increased forest fire risk in forests as well as on meadows and fields:
• Observe the smoking ban: Smoking in the forest is prohibited from March 1st to October 31st.
• Do not light fires in or near the forest (not even barbecue fires!), only at designated barbecue areas.
• Do not throw cigarettes out of the car.
• Do not park vehicles on easily flammable ground: hot catalytic converters can pose a risk. Passenger cars, motorcycles, and agricultural vehicles must not be parked on meadows or forest paths.
• Avoid littering: Every discarded glass bottle, foil, lighter, or can containing chemical waste can become a source of fire.
• Report forest fires immediately to the fire department (Tel. 112).
Rising Wildfire Threat in Saarland Region
