Baden-Württemberg: closed barbecue areas: highest risk of forest fires in the south-west

Now don't throw away a cigarette or have a barbecue in the forest: In view of the highest risk of forest fires, the police and foresters appeal to reason.

Baden-Württemberg: closed barbecue areas: highest risk of forest fires in the south-west

Now don't throw away a cigarette or have a barbecue in the forest: In view of the highest risk of forest fires, the police and foresters appeal to reason. Even a field was already burning.

Baden-Baden/Stuttgart (dpa/lsw) - The heat and the prolonged drought are increasing the risk of forest fires in the south-west. On Thursday morning, the forest fire risk index of the German Weather Service (DWD) showed the highest risk level 5 for almost the entire country. This was not the case in any other federal state. Above all, the persistent drought in connection with wind is a dangerous combination, warned the DWD. The meteorologists expected up to 35 degrees in the southwest on Thursday.

In Baden-Baden, the authorities once again pointed out that open fires and smoking in the forest are generally prohibited until October 31st, and even barbecuing in designated areas with fireplaces is not permitted until further notice. In addition, the forest service asks that cars not be parked over dry leaves or grass because hot catalytic converters could set the dry ground on fire. Also, no smoldering cigarettes should be thrown away.

"We hope for the understanding and help of the forest visitors to protect our already very polluted forest from the danger of a forest fire," says the forestry office. At the same time, it announced controls and, if necessary, criminal consequences.

In Gerabronn (Schwäbisch Hall district), a 4.5-hectare barley field burned down completely on Wednesday afternoon. According to the police, the fire broke out when the 66-year-old owner wanted to harvest it with a combine harvester. The fire brigade was able to prevent the flames from spreading to other grain fields.