Forest fire danger level 4: Barbecuing is now strictly prohibited in Chemnitz!

Forest fire danger level 4: Barbecuing is now strictly prohibited in Chemnitz!

Chemnitz is currently under forest fire danger level 4, which means there is a high risk of fires. In this critical situation, the city administration has taken strict measures to minimize the risk of fires. Barbecuing in the public barbecue areas in the green areas is strictly prohibited. This is regulated by the city of Chemnitz's green space statutes, as reported by Chemnitz.de. The Parks Department urgently appeals to all citizens to stay away from fire and heat sources.

Especially during walks or hikes, it is advisable to only use the main paths. A small spark, such as from a discarded cigarette butt, can quickly lead to an uncontrolled fire. It is therefore essential not to leave any rubbish behind in nature, as this further increases the risk of fire.

Heat and drought exacerbate the situation

The ongoing heat period that Chemnitz is currently experiencing is contributing significantly to the risk of wildfires and forest fires. High temperatures without precipitation are forecast for the next few days, a development that could further endanger the situation. This information was also confirmed by Tag24. According to forecasts, a cold front with thunderstorms and showers could ease the situation somewhat on Monday evening, but the current situation remains tense.

There have already been initial reports of operations in the area: around 250 square meters of forest burned in Heinrichsort. There was also a fire brigade operation in Hartenstein due to a burning field, with the support of farmers in the region supporting the team on site. In Central Saxony, firefighters also had to extinguish a burning grain field, which resulted in large clouds of smoke.

A look at the wide regional situation

However, the problem of forest fires is not just a local phenomenon. One of the largest forest fires in the history of the Czech Republic broke out in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains, a popular excursion destination, and lasted for several weeks. Up to 300 firefighters were deployed here, and around 150 hectares of forest on the Saxon side and more than 1000 hectares on the Bohemian side were affected, as Alpenverein.de summarizes.

The heat and persistent drought not only increase the risk of fire in Saxony, but also in other European regions. Studies show that over 90% of forest fires worldwide are caused by human behavior. Given this alarming situation, it is more important than ever to behave responsibly to protect our forests and nature.