The risk of forest fires is particularly high on hot summer days. Unfortunately, it is always underestimated, so a large forest fire is quickly started. Over 64 percent of all forest fires are caused by negligence. So these could easily be avoided. But with a little caution and a few tips, such a bad scenario can be avoided relatively easily.
If a forest fire is discovered, the fire brigade (112) must be called immediately!
No open fire in the forest or meadow
Unfortunately, what sounds obvious is often ignored by many. Open fire in the forest or on a meadow can quickly trigger a forest fire. On hot summer days, a small spark is enough to start a dangerous fire. Even if this goes unnoticed for the first few minutes, it can hardly be stopped when it is finally noticed.
Also, a fire should not necessarily be lit outside, but near a forest. Sparks can be carried many meters through the air while maintaining their temperatures and so can still start a forest fire.
Avoid smoking
A still glowing cigarette is also a major source of danger. It should therefore not simply be thrown into the woods. Of course, this also applies to other burning objects such as matches. This applies above all to drivers who concentrate more on the journey and therefore do not bother about the cigarette. The ashtray in the car should be used here. Pedestrians who do not have an ashtray handy should stub out the cigarette several times. If a bottle of water or similar is available, simply pour a sip directly on it.
Properly park your car
A major danger that only very few people are aware of emanates from the car itself. Even after a short drive, the vehicle’s catalytic converter may have reached a temperature that e.g. B. grass can ignite. Especially in midsummer, drivers should therefore only park in specially marked parking spaces on the asphalt.
Keep lanes clear for vehicles
The car should only be parked in a forest (even if there are marked parking spaces) in such a way that no vehicles are obstructed. Of course, this applies primarily with regard to the use of the fire brigade in order to be able to fight a forest fire that has already started.
Ask the Forest Service for suitable places to grill
If you still want to grill outside, for example, and want to do this in the great outdoors, you should contact the responsible forest authority. This can provide information on whether and where grilling is permitted, even on hot summer days. However, one has to assume that the pitches will not be in the immediate vicinity of a forest.