Wiesbaden (dpa / lhe) - There is a high risk of forest fires in Hesse. The Environment Ministry issued the first of two alert levels (Alert Level A) for forest management in the country on Monday. The prospect of persistent midsummer temperatures without heavy nationwide precipitation makes this precautionary step necessary, the ministry said in Wiesbaden. The declaration of the second highest alert level ensures, among other things, that the particularly endangered forest areas are monitored more closely.
Due to the current weather, the topsoil in the forest has largely dried out. In many parts of the country, the residual crown wood, brushwood and dead trees, which have meanwhile dried out severely, formed highly flammable material. The ministry therefore asked all forest visitors to be more careful and alert.
No fire may be lit outside of the designated barbecue areas. Care should be taken to ensure that there are no flying sparks in the barbecue areas and that the fire is properly extinguished when leaving the barbecue area. According to the ministry, smoking is generally not permitted in the forest. There is also a risk of forest fires from cigarette butts carelessly thrown out of windows along roads.
The access roads to the forests should not be blocked with vehicles. Cars should only be parked in the designated parking spaces. The vehicles should also not stand over dry ground cover, the ministry said.
