Danger of forest fires in Celle: Warning level 3 from Sunday - How to stay safe!

Danger of forest fires in Celle: Warning level 3 from Sunday - How to stay safe!

In northern Germany, the situation on this sunny day, June 27, 2025, looks anything but relaxed. The Celle newspaper publisher reports that the German Weather Service (DWD) and the fire departments are warning of an increasing risk of forest fires. The weather situation in Celle is stable, the sun is shining and there is no rain in sight. Next Sunday, the warning level in the district will be raised to three, which corresponds to a medium risk. From Monday to Wednesday, temperatures above 30 degrees and no precipitation are expected, so an increase to warning level four, which represents a high level of danger, must soon be expected.

The risk of forest fires in Germany is divided into five levels nationwide. At warning level five, authorities can close off endangered areas and prohibit entry and driving. In addition, lighting open fires and smoking in forests in Lower Saxony are strictly prohibited between March 1st and October 31st. At warning level four, the public is not permitted to leave public roads and paths in forest areas. These strict regulations are necessary because the most common causes of forest fires are discarded cigarettes, improperly disposed of barbecue charcoal and cars parked on dry grass.

Safety precautions and prevention

In an emergency, it is important to remain calm. The fire brigade should be informed immediately on the emergency number 112 and protection from sparks and smoke should be sought. Refuges are clearings, streets and wide paths. It should also be noted that the majority of forest fires are caused by humans, which is why preventative behavior by the population is crucial. In some regions, forest authorities may close parking lots and tourist facilities in the forest to minimize the danger.

The situation is not just concerning locally; In 2023, over 1,200 hectares have already been destroyed by forest fires in Germany. The federal states of Brandenburg and Lower Saxony were particularly affected. The year before, in 2022, the area destroyed was over 3,000 hectares, which was the highest value in the last 30 years Statista. The increasing frequency and severity of fires is being exacerbated by climate change, particularly dry and hot periods.

Additional measures and education

An example of preventive measures is described by the Potsdam fire department, which places red and white traffic cones (pylons) in endangered areas. These cones help emergency services navigate and show the way to the source of the fire in confusing terrain. The public is urgently asked not to get involved in an emergency and to keep their distance from emergency sites and fire lanes so that the helpers can work undisturbed.

With proper awareness and responsible behavior, everyone can help reduce the risk of wildfires. Let's protect our forests and the animals that live there. The coming days require attention and consideration from all of us so that we can continue to enjoy the beauty of our nature.