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!

Goslar, Deutschland - Summer is moving into Germany and with it the 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 shows the forest fire index in many regions. In areas such as Cuxhaven, Emden, Braunschweig and Göttingen, however, the middle danger level 3 remains until at least Tuesday. The forecast indicates that a low risk of forest fires can be expected in almost all regions from Thursday.

This positive development is no coincidence. The changeable weather with its showers and thunderstorms has caused the urgently needed soil moisture. The Lower Saxony State Forests point out that refreshment was necessary in phases, especially after the dry spring. However, attention must not be decreased. From danger level 3, the forest staff must be on site, and the forest fire center is almost continuously occupied during this time.

Combating the risk of forest fires

Despite the current relaxation, the risk of forest fires is not fully banned. In Bad Harzburg there is a medium danger, and tragic incidents such as the forest fire at Goslar last weekend - which has affected around three hectares of forest area - remind you to caution. These fires are often man-made, such as the niedersachsen.de that reports a significant part of the causes in gigarettes that are thrown away Sees of grill coal disposal. Statistics show that in 2023 over 1,200 hectares in Germany were destroyed by forest fires, with Lower Saxony being one of the most affected regions. Climate change ensures that such extreme events are becoming increasingly common and the forests weaken, which increases the risk of fire.

In order to prevent the danger, strict rules of conduct apply: Smoking is prohibited in the forest, cigarette remains do not belong out of the car, and barbecues may only be used at official locations. Scientists and environmental research institutes are increasingly warning of the dangers of forest fires that not only mean space losses, but can also bring serious financial and health consequences. The sandy areas, heath areas and moorlands of Lower Saxony are particularly affected. Therefore, a smoking ban in forests, bogs and pagans applies by the end of October.

The responsibility of forest visitors

The responsibility also lies with the individual forest visitors. It is important to immediately alert the fire brigade in the event of a suspicious smell. In addition to conscious arson, the most common causes of fire also include negligence and careless behavior. Because the forest fire threat index - created by the German Weather Service - divides the danger situation into five stages, which range from low to extreme fire. The current location mainly shows steps of low to medium fire risk, which gives us hope, but also remains a reminder.

Nevertheless, climate change remains a serious challenge. In recent years we have seen that the number of forest fires worldwide is increasing, and Germany has not been spared. Our forests are valuable ecosystems that are worth protecting, and that is precisely why we all have to pull together to find sustainable solutions for fire prevention. Whether by preventive measures or by a more conscious handling of nature - every little effort counts.

For the summer of 2025 it means: stay attentive, show responsibility and certainly enjoy the beauty of nature. The existing smoking bans and the information on fire avoidance should become our daily companion.