Hesse on alert: high risk of forest fires calls for caution!

Hesse on alert: high risk of forest fires calls for caution!

Summer in Hesse is showing its really hot side this year. Higher temperatures coupled with persistent drought have once again significantly increased the risk of forest fires in the region. On July 19, 2025, the city administration of Groß-Gerau urgently warned against this, as can be seen from a report by rheinmainverlag.de. Not only the current weather conditions, but also the forest fire danger index (WBI) is showing worryingly high values.

In the first seven months of the year, over 65 forest fires were registered in Hesse. Around 90 percent of these fires are due to human error. The city administration therefore appeals to all citizens to act carefully in forests. There is a strict ban on open fires and grilling in the forest. Smoking is also prohibited in the forest, as even throwing cigarettes out of the car window can have fatal consequences.

It's better to be safe than sorry

The city's warnings are not unfounded. Hot vehicle parts can ignite grass, which is why cars should only be parked in designated parking spaces. Care should also be taken to ensure that bottles and other glass residues are not left in nature. These simple behaviors will help minimize the risk of fire. The fire brigade and rescue services are already in high gear, as the city administration emphasizes the importance of reporting fires or smoke immediately via the emergency number 112.

Forest conversion also plays an important role in the current discussion about forest fire prevention. As explained on the hessen-forst.de website, converting coniferous monocultures into more stable mixed forests helps reduce the risk of forest fires. Deciduous trees are more difficult to burn than their needle-bearing relatives and also increase the biodiversity in our forests.

Joint action for the forest

But it's not just citizens who are called upon to make their contribution. The responsible forestry authorities have also taken measures to minimize the risk of forest fires. HessenForst ensures that main paths in the forest are easily accessible for emergency services and has provided forest fire maps for rescue workers. The cooperation between fire departments and forestry authorities is consolidated through regular exercises in which everything from small operations to large simulated operations is rehearsed.

In addition, the PYROPHOB project is working on the development of fire-repellent and climate-resilient forests. This project involves various institutions and aims to analyze the effects of different forest management strategies on wildfire areas. More stable mixed forests and a better water balance should help reduce the risk of forest fires in the long term.

The city administration of Groß-Gerau calls on all citizens to actively protect the forests. With a good hand and a little caution, everyone can help protect our forests during this hot time and thus preserve nature.