Hesse: Alert level remains: around 160 forest fires since the beginning of the year

Wiesbaden (dpa/lhe) - According to the Ministry of the Environment, around 160 forest fires have been reported in Hesse since the beginning of the year.

Hesse: Alert level remains: around 160 forest fires since the beginning of the year

Wiesbaden (dpa/lhe) - According to the Ministry of the Environment, around 160 forest fires have been reported in Hesse since the beginning of the year. In view of the persistent drought, a "high, locally even very high risk of forest fires" is also expected in the current week, said a ministry spokesman on Tuesday. The fires reported so far would have destroyed around 43 hectares - the equivalent of around 60 football pitches.

Due to the risk of fire, the alert level A from July 18 remains in place. The declaration of the second highest alert level ensures, among other things, that the particularly endangered forest areas are monitored more closely. The forest administration also ensures the technical readiness, said the spokesman.

Due to the high risk of fire, temporary closures of forest paths and areas are also possible. The ministry asked all visitors to forest areas to exercise caution.