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Heat wave increases forest fire risk in the Palatinate Forest: Fire brigade on alert!
The current heat wave increases the risk of forest fires in the Palatinate Forest near Bad Dürkheim, the local fire department reports on the situation.
Heat wave increases forest fire risk in the Palatinate Forest: Fire brigade on alert!
The current heat wave is causing a worrying situation in the Palatinate Forest around Bad Dürkheim: the risk of forest fires has increased significantly. The dried up humus layer is responsible for this, as Frank Stipp, the head of the forestry office, explains. Despite the rainfall in July, which initially benefited the plants, it is not enough to significantly reduce the risk of fire. All organic materials on the ground now act as potential fire sources. The situation is particularly critical because a small forest fire recently broke out.
The local fire department strives to be well prepared. Thorsten Schacht from the Bad Dürkheim fire department emphasizes that around 90 percent of forest fires are caused by human error. Campers are repeatedly seen making fires in the forest. Improvised fire pits are commonplace and can leave unnoticed pockets of embers that pose a serious risk. In order to counteract these dangers, foresters and the fire brigade are in close contact. “We have been able to cope with all situations so far,” says Stipp, “but a full-scale fire that also burns treetops could exceed our strength.”
Preparations and collaboration
The Bad Dürkheim fire department is well equipped with off-road vehicles and special forest fire equipment. However, there was a recent incident in which firefighters were forced to continue working on a smaller operation on foot because the vehicles got stuck. This shows how challenging working in rough terrain can be.
In addition, the fire department cooperates with the air sports club in order to be able to react quickly in the event of a fire. The commitment and motivation of the firefighters are repeatedly emphasized because they make an indispensable contribution to protecting forests.
A call for caution
In view of the dramatically increased risk of forest fires, the fire department urgently appeals to all forest visitors to act responsibly. Igniting fires in the forest is not only extremely dangerous, but can also have legal consequences. Everyone should do their part to preserve the natural beauty of the Palatinate Forest and prevent fires.
So stay vigilant and help protect our forests!