Increasing fire risk due to ongoing drought: District calls for heightened caution Oberberg District appeals to the population: Stay alert, avoid dangers, and report smoke developments immediately.

Oberbergischer Kreis. The ongoing drought is significantly increasing the risk of forest and vegetation fires in the Oberbergischer Kreis. How serious the situation currently is became evident yesterday. Volunteer fire brigades were deployed in several locations in the district to combat vegetation and forest fires.

Special caution is also advised in the coming days! The grassland fire index is currently already at level 4 out of 5, indicating a high risk of grass and vegetation fires. According to the German Weather Service's forecast, the forest fire danger index will reach level 4 out of 5 tomorrow, also classified as "High Danger."

The Oberbergischer Kreis is therefore urgently calling for special caution and attentiveness. "The recent deployments show how quickly the ongoing drought can develop into a concrete danger," says District Fire Chief Julian Seeger. He appeals to all people in the Oberbergischer Kreis: "Be vigilant and avoid anything that could cause a fire. If you see smoke or a fire, it's better to call emergency number 112 one time too many than one time too few. The current soil dryness means that a fire can spread quickly."

Drohnenaufnahmen von Vegetationsbrand im Waldgebiet Wolfsschlade in Lindlar (Foto: OBK) — Drone footage of vegetation fire in the forest area Wolfsschlade in Lindlar (Photo: OBK)

When staying in nature, the following tips should especially be observed:

Smoking is prohibited throughout the forest from March 1 to October 31. Cigarettes and other items must not be carelessly discarded.
Do not light open fires in or near forests: This includes campfires, torches, and grills. Only grill in designated areas.
Only park in designated parking areas. Dry grass can ignite from the heat of vehicle parts, especially from catalytic converters.
Keep access roads to forests, reservoirs, and swimming lakes clear at all times. They serve as critical rescue routes for the fire department and emergency services. Parking and stopping bans must be strictly observed.
Do not leave any trash in nature. In addition to cigarette butts, items like glass bottles and shards can also pose a fire hazard.
Stay vigilant: If you observe smoke or discover a fire, report it immediately via emergency number 112. Leave the danger area and do not attempt to extinguish the fire yourself.

Thanks to the emergency services

The Oberbergischer Kreis explicitly thanks the numerous emergency services who were and continue to be deployed throughout the district. "The volunteer firefighters make an important contribution to protecting the population and our nature, especially in such emergency situations," says Birgit Hähn, Head of Security and Order at the Oberbergischer Kreis.

Caution in your own garden too!

The increased fire risk does not only affect forests, meadows, and recreational areas. Special caution is also required in your own garden.

"Please refrain from open fires and avoid activities that could produce sparks. If you are grilling, pay particular attention to a safe location and sufficient distance from dry grass, hedges, and other flammable materials. Never leave the grill unattended and ensure that embers and ashes are completely extinguished," advises the district fire chief.

Furthermore, it is absolutely essential to avoid using flame weeders to remove weeds. The dry vegetation can ignite quickly.

Further information:

The German Weather Service lists the Forest Fire Danger Index and Grassland Fire Index on its homepage www.wettergefahren.de in the "Warnings" section. The measurement station for the Oberbergischer Kreis is located in Reichshof-Eckenhagen.

Die beiden Spezialfahrzeuge im Einsatz. (Foto: OBK) — The two special vehicles in action. (Photo: OBK)

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