Forest fires: danger and behaviour

In short: Drought, heat, and wind significantly increase the risk of forest fires. Correct behaviour during fire danger periods and in an actual emergency can save lives and limit damage.

In more detail: Most forest fires in Central Europe are caused by people, for example through cigarettes, campfires, or sparks.

In detail

• Fire danger levels: Many countries publish forest fire danger indices that ban open fires at high levels.
• Precautions in the forest: No open fires, don’t discard cigarettes, and don’t park vehicles on dry grass.
• Behaviour on discovery: Alert the fire department immediately, assess an escape route, and do not attempt to extinguish large fires yourself.
• Smoke spread: Smoke spreads faster than flames; change direction immediately if you suspect a fire nearby.
• Evacuation: Follow official instructions and warning apps, as fires can spread extremely fast due to wind.
• Forest management: Thinning and firebreaks help limit the spread of fires.
• Climate change: Increasing dry periods raise forest fire risk even in regions previously little affected (sturm-und-gewitter-verhalten, wetterwarnungen-und-warn-apps).