The risk of forest fire increases: Remscheid and the surrounding area have to be careful!

The risk of forest fire increases: Remscheid and the surrounding area have to be careful!

On April 6, 2025, the first forest fire of the year was reported in Remscheid. The fire occurred on Saturday afternoon around 5 p.m. in the area of ​​the border. About 150 square meters of forest space were on fire before the fire brigade was on hand with 16 emergency services. Thanks to the quick intervention, the flames could be quickly brought under control and deleted with two D pipes. However, this situation directs the view of a worrying pattern, since similar incidents have been only too often registered in nearby regions such as Overath, Siegener area and Bad Laasphe. According to rga.de , the main causes of these fires are often triggered by deliberately or negligent, above all by thrown away by Cigarette butts.

The weather-related risk of forest fires is currently alarming in North Rhine-Westphalia. Current forecasts indicate an increase in the risk of forest fire for the coming years. The decline in precipitation and the rising temperatures in the spring, summer and autumn months are relevant factors. So reports news.de of a particularly high risk of forest fire in the region, since no rain and rain is expected for today.

increased risk and prevention measures

The forest fire theater levels in North Rhine-Westphalia are as follows:

• level 1: very low risk, no restrictions.
• level 2: low risk, avoid ignition sources.
• level 3: medium risk, do not use public fireplaces or barbecue areas.
• level 4: high risk, parking spaces in the forest can be blocked.
• level 5: extremely high risk, walking bans for endangered areas possible.

Currently, all 42 measuring stations in North Rhine-Westphalia warn of at least one-time warning level 3 (medium to increased danger) in the next five days. The mild weather and the decreasing wind also promote the spread of fires. For this reason, the sensitization of the population is of crucial importance for the protection of forest stocks.

behavior tips to avoid forest fires

In order to minimize the risk of forest fires, experts advise the following behaviors:

• open fire exclusively in designated places.
• not dispose of garbage in the forest.
• Vehicle only park in official parking spaces.
• Interstate the fire brigade (112) or the forest service.

The causes of forest fires are largely man -made. According to the 2021 surveys, 92 cases of 259 clarified forest fires were due to arson and 128 to negligence. Natural causes made less than 5% of the fire. Frequent triggers are carelessly thrown away cigarettes, improperly deleted campfires or sparks of machines. It is therefore essential to sensitize the population to the topic of forest fire prevention and take appropriate protective measures.