Why is there a risk of wildfires?

The risk of wildfires in Middle Franconia has increased again in recent days. The main cause is

• the high temperatures
• the extreme heat, and
• the resulting ongoing dry conditions.

Overall, this currently results in a high to, in some cases, very high risk of wildfires in the region. Even the smallest sources of ignition can be enough to start a fire. Accordingly, special caution is advised—both in the forest itself and in its immediate surroundings. According to forecasts by the German Weather Service, no significant improvement is expected on Saturday and Sunday. Without substantial rainfall, the wildfire risk will remain at an elevated level. Particularly at risk are sparse pine stands and forests in metropolitan areas that are heavily visited by the public.

When and how will aerial surveillance take place?

The flights will take place on Saturday, June 27, and Sunday, June 28, in the afternoon. This is when the risk of forest fires is highest due to rising temperatures and recreational activities by the public. Due to the nice weather, an increased number of day-trippers is expected in the woods and countryside. The aerial surveillance was ordered by the government of Middle Franconia in coordination with the regional wildfire officer of the Bavarian Forestry Administration.

The flights will follow a predetermined route, leading from Erlangen-Dechsendorf via

• Schnaittach
• Hersbruck, and
• Allersberg to Pleinfeld.

From there, the flight will continue via

• Abenberg
• Nuremberg-Moorenbrunn
• Nuremberg-Buchenbühl, and
• Erlangen-Tennenlohe, with a loop via Emskirchen, Wilhermsdorf, Heilsbronn, and Windsbach

back to the starting point.

This allows for a clear aerial view of particularly vulnerable forest areas—such as the Sebalder and Lorenzer Reichswald near Nuremberg, as well as western Middle Franconia—and enables monitoring for potential smoke development.

The flights are conducted by volunteer pilots from the Middle Franconia Air Rescue Squadron (based in Rothenburg o.d.T.). In addition to the pilot, the aircraft carries specially trained aerial observers from the fire department and forestry authorities. They survey the relevant forest areas from the air for potential fire hazards. If a fire is detected, the fire department is alerted via radio from the air and directed to the scene of the fire.

Photo: KFV ERH/Sebastian Weber

How to Behave Properly in the Forest

• Observe the smoking ban: Smoking in the forest is prohibited from March 1 through October 31
• Do not light any fires (including campfires) in or near the forest
• Do not throw burning cigarettes out of your car
• Never park vehicles on flammable surfaces due to hot catalytic converters. Cars, motorcycles, and agricultural vehicles must therefore not be parked on meadows or forest trails.

Report forest fires immediately by calling the emergency number 112

Forest fire (Photo: Pixabay)

Here: Forest Fire Danger Index from the German Weather Service