German fire departments are urging for increased capabilities in combating wildfires, emphasizing the urgent need for improved aerial support. Karl-Heinz Banse, President of the German Fire Brigade Federation, stated in an interview with the Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung that bolstering resources, particularly in aerial firefighting, is a critical priority.
A key area for improvement, according to Banse, is the number of helicopters available for fire suppression. While acknowledging limitations on the deployment of fixed-wing aircraft due to Germany’s varied terrain, he highlighted the versatility of helicopters for reaching almost any location and for crucial tasks like rescuing people and transporting equipment. He cited the example of mobile firefighting pumps that could be airlifted to strategic locations, such as mountains in the Harz region, in the event of a wildfire.
Recent data from the Federal Institute for Agriculture and Nutrition (BLE) indicates a concerning trend, with 563 wildfires recorded last year, consuming approximately 334 hectares of forest.
The increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires are linked to climate change, with rising global temperatures leading to prolonged droughts and heatwaves. Germany has seen a threefold increase in the average number of heat days since the 1950s. Without significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, cities like Berlin face the prospect of 20 to 35 heat days annually between 2071 and 2100. However, adhering to the Paris Agreement’s climate targets could limit this number to 10 to 16 heat days per year.