High forest fire in Schwalmstadt: forestry office warns!

High forest fire in Schwalmstadt: forestry office warns!

In the past few days, the persistent heat in Hesse is worried about the forest visitors on the part of the Neukirchen forest. The forest fire index in the region currently shows the second highest danger level (red), which the city and its surroundings are in acute alert. The forestry office warns of a high risk of forest fires caused by the combination of extreme heat and strong wind. These factors lead to a superficial drying out of the forests, which significantly increases the risk of fires. The [Hessische Rundfunk] (https://www.hna.de/lokales/schwalmstadt/schwalmstadt-ort68394/Forstamt-warnt-wald- due to-hitze-jederzeit-moeglich-93813283.html) reports that forest visitors Florian Koch appeals to forest visitors, on smoking and open fire in the forest do without.

A particularly critical point is the "30-30-30 rule", which says that from 30 degrees Celsius, 30 % relative humidity and 30 km/h wind rose significantly. This warning is no coincidence, because only 0.5 % of the forest fires arise from natural causes, such as lightning. The main causes of most fires, on the other hand, are human misconduct - from careless handling of open fire to overheated machines and sparks.

statistics and outlook on the forest fire season

The risk of forest fire in Germany is worrying in view of the current weather. As reports ZDF today, the forest fire season extends from March to October. In 2022 there were 2,397 fires in Germany, the highest number in 30 years. In 2023, on the other hand, the figures went back to 1,059 fires, which corresponds to a 50 % decline compared to the previous year, but is still on average for the long -term means.

In particular, areas with dense softwood stocks are in which the likelihood of fires increases significantly. These developments can also be increased by climate change. Forecasts show that due to higher temperatures and fewer precipitation, the risk of forest fires will continue to increase in the coming decades.

preventive measures and first steps

The forestry office works closely with the fire brigades in order to be optimally prepared for possible emergencies. Measures to improve access to emergency vehicles are planned. By June 2025, around 65 forest fires were already registered in Hesse, which produced a damage area of around 9.5 hectares.

In addition, prevention measures are of great importance. This includes creating forest fire bars, the use of mixed forests with a higher doty wood content and the erecting artificial extinguishing water extracts. These strategies should not only inhibit the spread of fire, but also promote the vitality of the forest ecosystems.

Before another devastating forest fire occurs, it is of the greatest importance that all forest visitors are careful and continue to pay attention to all possible fire. Because, as numerous studies show, the main cause of over half of the forest fires lies in human mistakes and carelessness. Forest and nature can only be protected by joint action.