High forest fire risk: air observation flights above the Upper Palatinate

Von Kl Redaktion

The government of the Upper Palatinate has ordered a new round of air observation flights due to an increased risk of forest fire. This measure comes into force and runs until Monday, September 2nd, 2024. The background to this is the current weather conditions that significantly increase the risk of forest fires. The flights are carried out in particular in the regions classified by the government.

The air views start from Weiden-Latsch airfield and pursue a defined route that leads over several surrounding communities. Among other things, the entire Moosbach, Plößberg and Kemnath region are flailed. Such targeted air monitoring is important in order to identify potential fires at an early stage and to take suitable measures as quickly as possible.

The importance of the air observation flights

Thanks to the aerial reconnaissance, fires and smoke development can be recognized more efficiently. The strength of these measures lies in the perspective of the air, which enables observers to identify potential sources of danger even in regions that are difficult to access. This is done as part of a cooperation between the government of the Upper Palatinate and the Office for Food, Agriculture and Forestry (AELF) Regensburg. The need for these surveillance flights is underpinned by the daily reports of the German Weather Service (DWD), which provides information on the current risk of forest fire. In the coming week, some areas of the Neustadt district on the Waldnaab are also classified in the risk zones orange to red, which is an additional warning signal.

The causes of forest fires are varied in themselves. While long dry periods and lightning strikes represent natural factors, human misconduct and negligence are the most common triggers. Even an carelessly thrown away cigarette butt can have devastating consequences. This problem is particularly emphasized by the Bavarian Forest Act, which strictly prohibits smoking in the forest during the dangerous season from March 01 to October 31st.

important rules of conduct in the forest

In order to avoid forest fires, all forest visitors should adhere to some fundamental rules of conduct:

  • Never throw cigarette butts out of the window during the drive.
  • Avoid the return of glass bottles into the forest; The sun rays can be bundled by the glass and light a fire.
  • Avoid leaving garbage in the forest because this can cause fire flocks.
  • It is absolutely forbidden to ignite open fire in the forest or near forests.
  • Never park vehicles on dry grass because the catalyst can ignite.

It is also important that forest fires are immediately reported to the fire brigade under emergency number 112, ideally with a precise location. All road users are asked to park their vehicles in such a way that rescue and extinguishing vehicles can operate unhindered.

The air observation flights themselves are carried out by volunteer pilots of the air rescue relay Upper Palatinate. On board there are specially trained air observers that analyze the situation in the forest areas. If a fire comes into focus, the fire brigade is immediately notified, which is then managed to the fire location. This coordinated procedure maximizes the efficiency of extinguishing rates and protects the forests and the surrounding area from devastating fires.

The population is called to exercise special caution in forest areas and urgently refrain from dealing with open fire. It is of the utmost importance to follow the above information to prevent forest fires and protect nature.