Rain and cooler temperatures reduce the risk of forest fires in Lower Saxony!

Rain and cooler temperatures reduce the risk of forest fires in Lower Saxony!

Summer is coming to Germany and with it comes concerns about possible forest fires. But at the moment the Lower Saxony forests can breathe a sigh of relief: rain and lower temperatures have noticeably reduced the risk of forest fires in Lower Saxony. According to the current data from NDR The forest fire danger index shows only a low risk in many regions. However, in areas such as Cuxhaven, Emden, Braunschweig and Göttingen, the medium danger level 3 will remain in place until at least Tuesday. The forecast indicates that a low risk of wildfires is expected in almost all regions starting Thursday.

This positive development is no coincidence. The changeable weather with its showers and thunderstorms has provided much-needed soil moisture. The Lower Saxony State Forests point out that freshening up with rain was necessary at times, especially after the dry spring. However, attention must not wane. From danger level 3 onwards, forestry staff must be on site and the forest fire control center is staffed almost continuously during this time.

Combating the risk of forest fires

Despite the current easing of tensions, the risk of forest fires has not been completely averted. The medium risk remains in Bad Harzburg, and tragic incidents such as the forest fire near Goslar last weekend - which affected around three hectares of forest area - urge caution. These fires are often man-made, like that Niedersachsen.de reports, which sees a significant proportion of the causes in discarded cigarettes or improper disposal of barbecue charcoal. Statistics show that over 1,200 hectares of land in Germany were destroyed by forest fires in 2023, with Lower Saxony being one of the most affected regions. Climate change is making such extreme events more frequent and weakening forests, increasing the risk of fires.

To prevent the danger, strict rules of conduct apply: Smoking is prohibited in the forest, cigarette butts must not be thrown out of the car, and barbecue areas may only be used at official locations. Scientists and environmental research institutes are increasingly warning about the dangers posed by forest fires, which not only mean loss of land but can also have serious financial and health consequences. The sandy areas, heathland and moorland areas of Lower Saxony are particularly affected. There is therefore a smoking ban in forests, moors and heaths until the end of October.

The responsibility of forest visitors

The responsibility also lies with the individual forest visitors. It is important to alert the fire department immediately if you notice a suspicious smell. In addition to deliberate arson, the most common causes of fire include negligence and careless behavior. The forest fire danger index - created by the German Weather Service - divides the danger situation into five levels, ranging from low to extreme fire danger. The current situation predominantly shows levels of low to medium fire danger, which gives us hope, but also remains a warning.

Nevertheless, climate change remains a serious challenge. In recent years we have seen that the number of forest fires is increasing worldwide, and Germany is not spared. Our forests are valuable ecosystems that are worth protecting, and that is precisely why we must all pull together to find sustainable solutions for fire prevention. Whether through preventive measures or through a more conscious approach to nature - every effort, no matter how small, counts.

So for the summer of 2025 it's time to stay alert, show a sense of responsibility and safely enjoy the beauty of nature. The existing smoking bans and the information on how to avoid fires should become our daily companion.