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Danger of forest fires in North Rhine-Westphalia: How to protect yourself from the flames!
Forest fire danger in the Rhein-Sieg district: Level 3 from June 20th. Fire prevention measures and safety tips.
Danger of forest fires in North Rhine-Westphalia: How to protect yourself from the flames!
Summer is showing its dry side in Cologne this year, and that has its consequences. Again Cologne City Gazette reported that the risk of forest fires in North Rhine-Westphalia has increased. Particularly worrying: The German Weather Service warns of a danger index of up to level 5 for the coming weekend, which corresponds to a very high risk.
In the Rhein-Sieg district, the warning level is currently set at level 3, which will remain in effect until Tuesday, June 24th. This means that the risk of forest fires here is classified as medium danger. Today, Friday, June 20th, the values in Neunkirchen-Seelscheid-Krawinkel and Königswinter-Heiderhof are already at this level.
Increased danger levels for the weekend
Particular caution is required at Cologne/Bonn Airport, where the warning level will increase to high danger, i.e. level 4, on Sunday, June 22nd. Another problem: the grassland fire index is even higher than the forest fire index. This means there is a high risk of grassland fires on June 21st and 22nd.
Hartwig Dolgner, forest fire expert at Wald und Holz NRW, points out that over 90 percent of all forest fires are caused by human activity. Therefore, certain rules are essential to minimize the risk. Open fires in the forest are prohibited unless you are in designated barbecue areas. There is also a clear rule that emergency routes must be kept clear.
Tips for what to do if there is a risk of forest fires
Another precaution is that motor vehicles may only be parked on paved areas. Cigarettes should also not be thrown into the countryside, and smoking is banned in the forest between March 1st and October 31st. The forest fire danger index is not only intended as a guide, but can vary depending on local conditions.
If you suspect you smell smoke or see fire in the forest, you should call emergency services immediately. It is also important that people from outside the area describe their exact location in order to make orientation easier for fire brigade personnel. The German Weather Service Although it provides information about the forest fire danger index, the practical danger situation may be more extensive on site.
It's worth keeping your eyes open. Let's protect our forests and the beautiful greenery that surrounds us by behaving responsibly and adhering to the rules mentioned.