Warmth and barely rain - The risk of forest fires increases in the next few days
High summer temperatures and no Rain are expected in the Lüneburg Heath starting from Friday - this also increases the forest fire risk. The German Weather Service (DWD) predicts a level 5 warning for Fassberg (Celle district) on Saturday. This means in the DWD forest fire danger index "very high risk".
So far, in Lower Saxony, only small forest and vegetation fires have occurred this year, which were detected and extinguished early, as the leader of the Lüneburg Forest Fire Center, Knut Sierk, told dpa. Due to the rain, the forest fire risk has been significantly reduced recently.
Since 2011, specifically trained foresters from the Niedersächsische Landesforsten in Lüneburg have been monitoring approximately 440,000 hectares of forest in the particularly endangered northeastern part of Lower Saxony.
"Most forest fires are caused by humans," said Sierk. "Smoking and grilling, campfires, illegal burning of garden and other waste can be triggers." He appealed, for example, to follow rules while hiking. Open fire in the forest, in the heath, and in dangerous proximity to it is legally prohibited from 1. March to 31. October. This also includes smoking.
DWD forest fire danger index for Lower Saxony
- Despite the reduced forest fire risk due to recent rain, the forecasted heat in the Lüneburg Heath from Friday onwards in Lower Saxony could potentially elevate the danger again.
- If you're planning a weekend trip to Lüneburg Heath or the Lüneburger Heath, be aware of the higher forest fire risk due to the predicted weather conditions from DWD.
- The forest fire risk in the Celle District, particularly in Fassberg, is anticipated to be at a high level, as indicated by the DWD forest fire danger index.
- Even though Lüneburg city in Lower Saxony has not experienced significant forest fires this year, the Lüneburg Forest Fire Center remains vigilant, especially considering the forecasted heat.
- Visitors to the Lüneburger Heath, especially in the northeastern part of Lower Saxony, should be aware of the forest fire risk and adhere to regulations, such as avoiding open fires during the prohibited period.
- The DWD forest fire danger index indicates that the overall forest fire risk in Lower Saxony may be elevated as a result of the predicted weather conditions, which could potentially lead to an increase in forest fires.
