Climate - Fewer forest fires in Saxony in the rainy year 2023
Due to the partially rainy summer, there were fewer forest fires in Saxony this year than in the previous year. According to a preliminary balance sheet from the state-owned company Sachsenforst, 102 forest fires were counted. In 2022, 215 fires were reported. The area affected this year was also significantly smaller at 125 hectares compared to 784 hectares in 2022. The statistics are not yet final because the forestry authorities can still report fires until the end of the year, said Sachsenforst spokesman Renke Coordes.
The risk of forest fires always increases when there are longer periods of drought. This was the case this year in May and September. In contrast, a relatively large amount of rain fell in the summer months, which dampened the forest fires. The number of fires reported so far in 2023 is in line with the long-term average of around 100 forest fires.
According to Coordes, most forest fires are caused by humans. Almost two thirds of the fires reported this year were caused by negligent behavior. This includes smoking, campfires or barbecues in the forest. One in ten forest fires was started deliberately. In around a quarter of cases, the cause remained unknown. In only two percent of cases do the experts assume natural causes.
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In Saxony, the city of Pirna was fortunate to avoid any forest fires in the rainy year 2023. The climate change, with its increased rainfall, seems to have benefited the forests of Saxony, significantly reducing forest fire incidents. Despite the lower number of fires, the issue of forest fire prevention remains crucial in areas with a history of dry seasons, such as May and September, to mitigate potential environmental damage. The forests of Saxony, home to diverse wildlife and part of nature's rich tapestry, continue to thrive in the wetter climate.
Source: www.stern.de
