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Danger of forest fires in Karlsruhe: Fire brigade practices for emergencies!
On June 21, 2025, the Karlsruhe fire department will conduct a forest fire drill to respond to the increasing fire risk.
Danger of forest fires in Karlsruhe: Fire brigade practices for emergencies!
Hot, hotter, forest fire danger! The last few weeks have increased the risk of forest fires throughout Germany. Stefan Wilhelm from the Karlsruhe Forestry Office looks back on the driest spring since weather records began. “We had hardly any precipitation in the summer,” warns Wilhelm, pointing to several small forest fires that have already been registered this year. The summer of 2025 could present a challenge for the emergency services.
On June 21st, a large-scale forest fire exercise took place in Karlsruhe, in which around 100 firefighters, the ASB with drones and forestry employees trained together. The aim was to be prepared for a scenario in which a fire covering an area of 4,000 to 5,000 square meters threatened to spread to nearby mountain villages. “Regular large-scale exercises are a must for us,” explains Florian Geldner, head of the Karlsruhe Fire Department. KA News reports that close cooperation between the forestry and fire departments is essential.
Planned operations and warning methods
“The foresters know the paths and the fire department brings the water,” continued Geldner. Within the first ten minutes of the alarm, the first emergency services are ready and can start fighting the fire. It is also important that the population is informed in good time if the situation becomes critical. “We rely on various warning methods such as cell broadcast, warning apps, press releases and radio,” says Geldner, describing the communication strategies.
With regard to the situation in Germany as a whole, it can be seen that a total of 1,059 forest fires were registered in Germany in 2023, which is half the number compared to 2022. However, at 1,240 hectares, the affected forest area is above the long-term average, which makes it clear that the risk remains high even with fewer fires. In addition, the numbers vary greatly depending on the region – the Federal Environment Agency highlights that most fires were registered in Brandenburg (251 fires) and Lower Saxony. Studies show that human error such as arson or negligence is responsible for around 40% of fires.
Long-term risk forecasts
The wildfire season appears to be changing due to climate change. More heat and dry phases increase the risk of forest fires. Statista notes that over 11.9 million hectares of forest area worldwide will have fallen victim to fires in 2023. Germany is not standing still - forecasts show an increasing risk in the coming decades. In recent years, forest fires have increasingly spread into late summer and autumn, increasing the need for preventative measures.
Young and sparse coniferous forests are particularly in focus because they are more susceptible to fires. The conversion to mixed forests with a high proportion of hardwood is propagated as a recommended form of forest protection. Even if there can be positive effects on biodiversity, the negative effects on human health, such as increased particulate matter emissions, are still in question.
All organizations and experts agree: with good preparation and the right tools, the risk of forest fires can be significantly reduced. A good knack for prevention is also required in the forest!