Drought and Fires in Northern Germany

Forest fires have been raging in several areas in northern Germany, including Wust-Fischbeck, Genthin, and near the Jersleber Lake and Mittelland Canal. The fire departments in the districts of Stendal and Börde have been busy responding to fires and fallen trees caused by the dry conditions.

Unfortunately, strong winds have hindered their extinguishing efforts. The B107 road between Kleinwulkow and Genthin has been closed due to the fires.

The region is currently experiencing a high risk of wildfires, with the danger level at 5 in some areas and 4 in others. In neighboring Sachsen-Anhalt, there is also a high risk of forest fires, especially in the Wittenberg - Dübener Heide, Elsterland, and Vorfläming regions.

It is important for people to adhere to safety measures and avoid activities like smoking and lighting fires in the forest. The dry conditions and gusty winds increase the risk of fires, and even hot car catalysts can ignite them.

The situation is equally alarming in Brandenburg and Berlin, where the risk of wildfires is at its highest level in 13 out of 14 counties. The Waldbrandschutzbeauftragter Raimund Engel has warned about the danger posed by dry soil and gusty winds.

In Ruhlsdorf, a forest fire has broken out, causing concern due to the strong wind. The local population has been advised to keep their windows closed.

In Leipzig, a fire on a wooded area along the Merseburger Straße caused traffic disruptions. In Thüringen, there is a high risk of forest fires as well, with the second highest warning level in effect, particularly in the northern and eastern parts of the state.

Precautionary measures, including the closure of grill areas and potentially entire forests, may be implemented to protect the endangered areas.