Forest fire near Nuremberg: Evacuations after a large fire in the Roth district!

Forest fire near Nuremberg: Evacuations after a large fire in the Roth district!

In recent days, the risk of forest fires has increased sharply in Bavaria, especially in the Roth district, south of Nuremberg. A large forest fire that broke out on Tuesday evening was brought under control by around 400 firefighters, police and rescue services. The last embers were extinguished on Wednesday, while the affected area covered around 30,000 square meters and the fire came within around 100 meters of residential areas, as BR.de reported.

Police helicopters and mountain rescue quads were also used to fight the flames. This enabled the emergency services to better navigate passages in the terrain that were difficult to reach. Clouds of smoke moved in a southeasterly direction and were visible in neighboring communities, but did not pose an acute health risk to residents. Nevertheless, as a precautionary measure, an assisted living facility was evacuated and the residents were accommodated in a nearby hall, reports the [Augsburger Allgemeine](https://www.augsburger- Allgemeine.de/bayern/hohe-waldbrandimmobilien-hunde-satzkraefte-suedlich-von-nuernberg-lk-roth-110030341).

An increasing risk due to climate and weather

The risk of forest fires was recently classified as high, due to the extreme drought, high temperatures and persistent winds. For a long time, the risk of forest fires in Bavaria was considered to be low, especially compared to the devastating fires in southern Europe, but the current weather and climate change are bringing the problem back into focus. The LWF Bayern highlights that long dry periods and higher temperatures increase the risk of forest fires, while at the same time prevention and control have been improved.

Current forecasts indicate that the risk of forest fires could increase in the summer months. Human activity is responsible for around 34 percent of forest fires in Bavaria, while 4 percent are natural, for example caused by lightning strikes. This shows how crucial our behavior in nature is in preventing fires. The authorities therefore warn against open flames outdoors, discarded cigarettes and improper parking of cars on dry grass.

Preventive measures and warnings

In response to the current situation, all open fires in fields and meadows were banned in Aschaffenburg from Wednesday. This is valid until July 24th and includes barbecues and similar activities. Anyone who violates this must expect a fine of up to 250 euros. The “Nina” warning app was also activated to inform the population promptly and point out possible dangers. These measures are part of a more comprehensive plan to combat and prevent forest fires, according to the [Augsburger Allgemeine](https://www.augsburger- Allgemeine.de/bayern/hohe-waldbrandunternehmen-hunde-satzkraefte-suedlich-von-nuernberg-lk-roth-110030341).

It remains to be hoped that the coming days will be calm and the weather conditions will improve to prevent further forest fires. Given the horrifying record of forest fires in recent years, it is imperative for the population to remain vigilant and act responsibly.