Germany’s Fire Service Union Warns of Rising Wildfire Risk Amid Unrelenting Heat
The German Fire Service Union (DFV) has issued a warning about the escalating risk of wildfires in the country, citing the prolonged heatwave that has been gripping the nation. According to Ulrich Cimolino, the head of the union’s working group on wildfires, the fire hazards are already significant and are likely to worsen in the coming weeks.
Cimolino specifically highlighted the dry conditions in large parts of northern and eastern Germany, stating that a prolonged drought has been affecting the topsoil in these areas. He predicted that most of Germany will experience little to no rainfall by the end of June, with temperatures remaining high.
The expert urged the public to respect the smoke and grill bans, as well as the restrictions on entering woodland areas. In the event of a suspected vegetation fire, the fire department should be immediately alerted. If the fire is in its early stages, individuals may attempt to extinguish it using water, a damp cloth, or a moistened branch, as long as it can be done safely, Cimolino advised.