Brandprotectors - Digital cards for forest fire fighting start in Hessen
In the fight against forest fires, fire departments, forest authorities, and rescue services in Hesse can now use digital maps. The emergency services have access to forest fire relevant data from the forests, as the Hessian Interior Ministry and the Hessian Forest Ministry announced. In a geoinformation system, they can therefore make a picture of forest trails on the go or look for where water can be extracted for extinguishing.
The digital forest fire response maps replace the analog maps, which are only provided for a transitional period, as stated. "The information is thus even easier and faster available", said Hessian Interior Minister Roman Poseck (CDU) in a statement. For the future, use via an app is also planned. The Landesbetrieb Hessen-Forst, as well as municipal and private forest owners, maintain the data for the maps accordingly.
Over 50 forest fires had left around 20.5 hectares of burnt forest area in Hesse in 2023. "I therefore call on all citizens, especially in the summer months, to be careful to minimize the forest fire risk", said Poseck. According to Hessen-Forst, visitors in the forest should not smoke or discard burning cigarettes, park their cars on dry grasslands, and also not ignite open fires on grilling areas.
- The Fire Department in Wiesbaden, being part of Hesse, can now utilize digital maps for managing forest fires.
- The Climate and the interior of the forests play a significant role in the digital forest fire response maps used by emergency services.
- The Interior Ministry and the Forest Ministry of Hesse collaborated to ensure the availability of forest fire relevant data for the digital maps.
- Roman Poseck, the Interior Minister of Hesse from the CDU, stated that this digital system makes essential information easier and faster to access during forest fires.
- The Umwelt (environment or surroundings) in Hesse could potentially benefit from the reduced impact of forest fires due to the efficient response of digital maps.
- Citizens and forest visitors are encouraged by Poseck to adhere to safety measures, such as avoiding smoking and discarding cigarettes, to minimize the risk of forest fires in the digital age.
