Heat wave rolls over Baden-Württemberg: How to protect yourself!

Heat wave rolls over Baden-Württemberg: How to protect yourself!

In the coming days, it will be really hot in many regions of Germany, especially in Baden-Württemberg. With temperatures that can reach up to 35 degrees Celsius, a heat wave is imminent. Weather expert Sven Plöger even predicts the highest levels of up to 39-40 degrees in Stuttgart for Wednesday. And that does not without consequences: the German Weather Service has already warned of heat and storms that can affect large parts of the country. Therefore, the urgent recommendation of the meteorologists is: drinking a lot and being careful, especially when bathing. A abrupt immersion in cold water can lead to health problems such as circulatory shocks.

But not only the heat is difficult for us. The dryness and the increasing temperatures have also caused the risk of forest fire increase. The second highest warning level already applies in many regions of Baden-Württemberg. A strict grill and smoking ban was issued in the district of Karlsruhe to minimize the risk of forest fires. The city of Crailsheim has also closed all urban barbecue areas. The risk of forest fire in the districts of Heilbronn and Ludwigsburg also remains high, whereby the grilling is only allowed in approved areas.

forest fire risk in the focus

The combination of dryness and heat makes many regions susceptible to forest fires. Since 2018 and 2019 we have seen an increasing number of forest fires in Germany, which are favored by extreme weather conditions. The northeastern federal states are particularly affected, where large areas have occurred. Forest Minister of Bavaria, Michaela Kaniber, warns of the risks that emerge from slightly inflammatory materials such as dried leaves in the forest. ZDF today therefore recommends to comply with conscientious rules of conduct in the forest, including the avoidance of open fire and the correct extinguishing of grill.

Right now, each one should maintain a responsibility with nature. Those who simply throw cigarette butts away or park vehicles on inflammatory ground not only endangers themselves, but also the many people who are in the forests.

prevention and measures

In order to continue to minimize the risk of forest fires, preventive action is required. The EU therefore promotes targeted investments in forest fire prevention and improving the infrastructure to combat fires. The introduction of digital sensors to monitor the forests has already borne fruit. In Germany, a significant decrease in forest fire areas was registered between 1991 and 2017, which is due to improved early warning systems and effective extinguishing strategies.

However, the risk of forest fire increases due to the progressive global warming. High index values ​​on a 5-stage scale show that the risk situation is becoming more and more precarious. Therefore, it is all the more important that both responsible and citizens remain vigilant and adapt to the difficulties in forest fire prevention.