Danger of forest fires: National Park urges caution

In view of the increased risk of forest fires, the Saxon Switzerland National Park Authority is warning hikers and excursionists to exercise caution over the Whitsun weekend. "Every spark of fire can lead to a major fire. We therefore ask you to strictly observe the fire ban in the forest," it says on the website of the national park, which is popular with tourists. Specifically, smoking is prohibited in the entire area. Open fires and the use of stoves are also prohibited. Visitors are asked to report fire or smoke immediately by calling the emergency number 112.

In any case, the ban on overnight stays - the so-called "Boofen" - in Saxon Switzerland, which was first introduced in 2022, will remain in force until mid-June. The ban is intended to curb overnight stays in the open air in order to protect animals such as peregrine falcons, eagle owls and black storks, which breed during this time.

Forest fire danger level 3 for several districts

A forest fire danger level 3 for "medium danger" currently applies to the region in the district of Saxon Switzerland-Eastern Ore Mountains, but also for the districts of Görlitz, Bautzen and Meißen as well as for the state capital Dresden. Level 3 also applies in parts of the districts of North Saxony and Leipzig.

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 were deployed with the support of the Czech army. Several helicopters were in constant use to contain the fire. After five days, the fire was extinguished.