Persistent drought - increasing risk of forest fires

The risk of forest fires in Saxony remains high due to the ongoing drought. Caution is particularly advised in the Muskauer Heide in the north of the district of Görlitz. The second-highest risk level 4 applies there, according to an overview by the state enterprise Sachsenforst and the German Weather Service (DWD).

Highest risk level expected on Wednesday

No rain is forecast for the coming days in Saxony either. According to the forecast, the situation in the forests will therefore worsen: From Tuesday, the danger is also expected to increase from level 3 to 4 in the district of Meißen, the state capital Dresden and in large parts of the district of Bautzen. On Wednesday, the highest level 5, i.e. "very high danger", is expected in the northern district of Bautzen.

At levels 4 and 5, it is recommended to avoid the affected forest areas. Anyone who is nevertheless out and about in the woods must not leave the main paths. Open fires are generally prohibited in the forest. Smoking is also prohibited. The districts may impose additional restrictions.

First forest fire in Bohemian Switzerland

At the beginning of May, the first major forest fire broke out in the Bohemian Switzerland National Park near Jetrichovice, not far from the border with Saxon Switzerland, covering an area of around one square kilometer. A large contingent of around 500 firefighters from numerous regions of the country, supported by the Czech army, battled the flames. Several helicopters were in constant use to contain the fire. After five days, the fire was extinguished.