Fulda County Warns of Rising Forest Fire Risk as Drought Persists

The fire protection service of Landkreis Fulda has issued a warning after several brush‑fire incidents, ongoing drought and an upcoming heat spell. The German Weather Service’s forest‑fire danger index for the county is currently medium but is expected to rise to the second‑highest level, indicating a high fire danger in the coming days. Residents are urged to avoid open flames, dispose of cigarettes safely, keep vehicles off dry grass and call 112 in case of fire.

Meanwhile, fire brigades from Paar‑Harthausen, Rinnenthal and Eurasburg carried out a public training exercise on a stubble field to practice fighting vegetation fires. The drill included the use of fire‑pats, forest‑fire axes, newly acquired water‑carriers and a "pump‑and‑roll" technique, with youth fire‑fighters and thermal‑imaging cameras supporting the operation. Organisers highlighted the need for improved preparedness as climate‑driven summer dryness increases the likelihood of forest and field fires.