Saxony-Anhalt: Olaf Lies: Prevention against forest fires in the Harz Mountains

Braunlage (dpa/sa) - In the debate about the consequences of the forest fire on the Brocken in the Harz National Park, Lower Saxony's Environment Minister Olaf Lies spoke out in favor of rapid preventive measures in coordination with the National Park administration.

Saxony-Anhalt: Olaf Lies: Prevention against forest fires in the Harz Mountains

Braunlage (dpa/sa) - In the debate about the consequences of the forest fire on the Brocken in the Harz National Park, Lower Saxony's Environment Minister Olaf Lies spoke out in favor of rapid preventive measures in coordination with the National Park administration. Where there is a risk of forest fire, the protection of people has priority over nature conservation, said the SPD politician during a visit to the site near Braunlage (Lower Saxony) on Tuesday. "Where it is necessary because there is a risk, we have to act accordingly and people's safety always comes first."

According to Lies, which measures are to be taken there "promptly" should be coordinated with the national park. The minister relies on a working group with experts from Lower Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt to develop recommendations.

In Lower Saxony, the removal of dead wood from natural areas is being debated, which may act as a fire accelerator in the event of a fire. "None of us intend to get the deadwood out of the Harz Mountains entirely," Lies told journalists in the Harz Mountains. This is neither necessary nor technically possible.

Rather, particularly endangered areas should be considered. "We are not discussing the question of fundamental firebreaks that go straight through the national park," said Lies. "But are there any accesses that we have to create, that are necessary to get into such operational areas?" It should now be clarified where such measures could be taken.