Saxony records fewer forest fires in 2024 so far

Precipitation mitigated drought

The reason for this development was above-average precipitation. "There was no severe spring drought and dangerously dry grass and leaves from the fall and winter," said a ministry spokesperson. Around 150 percent of the long-term precipitation average fell. This also reduced the fire risk after the dry months of March and April as well as in July and August, despite the high temperatures.

Since the beginning of the year, fires have destroyed almost 6.5 hectares of conifers and a good three hectares of deciduous trees. There were also fires at timber poles, recreational facilities and Christmas tree plantations, reported the state-owned company Sachsenforst. Almost two thirds of the forest fires were caused by negligence, twelve were started deliberately and one was caused naturally by lightning. In 15 cases, the causes could not be determined. "As in previous years, forest fires are significantly influenced by human behavior."

According to the authority, the most common causes are open fires, smoking in the forest or discarded cigarette butts. Fires are also repeatedly started during harvesting work in agriculture or forestry work, even though the burning of fallen leaves is not permitted. World War II ammunition or glass bottles lying in the forest rarely ignite, however.