Hundreds of firefighters train dangerous forest fire fighting!

Hundreds of firefighters train dangerous forest fire fighting!

In the district of Lüneburg, Lower Saxony, hundreds of firefighters have come together today to practice forest fire fighting under real conditions. Over 500 emergency services, including fire departments from various velvet communities as well as the technical relief organization and the state forest, took part in this important exercise in the Göhrde forest area. A real fire was deliberately ignited in order to optimally prepare the emergency services for the challenges of forest fire fighting. State fire brigade president Olaf Kapke emphasizes the growing risk of forest fire, which is reinforced by climate change.

The exercise was meticulously prepared, with special forest fire tank, an aircraft and a helicopter used. In addition, the cooperation with an observation plane was rehearsed. Aircraft from the fire brigade flight service Lower Saxony support the exploration and early detection of vegetation fires, so that can be traded quickly in an emergency. Kapke warns of the ongoing drought and high temperatures that further increase the risk of forest fires in Lower Saxony.

preventive measures and rules of conduct

A look at the current weather conditions shows that the forest fire hazard index of the German Weather Service shows high warning levels for this weekend, with level 5 in certain areas. The Ministry of Agriculture and the State Fire Brigade Association therefore call for caution. It is important to be aware of the dangers that can lead to forest fires. As can be seen on the side of the Lower Saxony Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection, climate change significantly increases the risk. In this way, the vegetation dries out more and more and thus favors fires.

from March 1 to October 31, the fire ban in forests, bogs and pagans as well as in their area applies. An absolute ban on smoking also ensures that the fire risk is minimized. There are many footsteps in nature that can lead to fires: thrown away cigarettes, improper grilling or even deliberate arson represent real dangers for our forests. In contrast, with a bit of caution and sensitivity, every one who appreciates nature helps considerably.

forest fire statistics and development

Although the forest fire areas in Germany took significantly from 1991 to 2017, the years 2018 and 2019 show that extreme drought and heat rose the number of fires. The northeastern federal states in particular were not spared. In Brandenburg, where forest fires occur particularly frequently, determining the causes of ignition and negligent action is of the greatest importance. In addition to the weather -related risks, an analysis of the Federal Environment Agency shows, an improved early detection and control also contributed to the visibility and handling of these risks.

The constant improvement of the systems and the training of the emergency services are crucial. Innovative technologies such as digital sensors for early detection show great progress in forest fire prevention. It is now increasingly being taken care of that old fire guard towers are also modernized and nature remains protected.

Find out more about the current forest fire index on the website of the German Weather Service and pay attention to the information from the authorities. Together we can ensure that our forests will also be preserved for future generations.

Further information on forest fire prevention can be found on the website of the Lower Saxony Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection as well Federal Environment Agency.