Fire danger in Austria: Fire departments sound the alarm!

Fire danger in Austria: Fire departments sound the alarm!

The ongoing drought in Austria has led to a worrying increase in the risk of fires in local forests the crown reported. Firefighter Günter Huemer informed that several large-scale operations are already required while emergency services are fighting current fires in the Rax-Schneeberg area. This year, forest fire regulations came into force earlier than usual, particularly in the districts of Baden and Mödling, and from Monday also in five other districts in Upper Austria. Particular caution is required throughout the country, with the fire department strongly advising that in the event of a fire, you should immediately call 122 instead of attempting to extinguish the fire yourself.

Forest fire danger and impacts

The risk of fire is increased not only by open fires, but also by discarded rubbish, which can ignite fires through the so-called lens effect. The fire department advises that all types of waste, including glass and plastic containers, pose potential fire hazards. Large forest fires can take weeks to control, especially if they burn underground and spread stealthily. Extinguishing these hidden fires requires special equipment, with access to the sources of the fire being a challenge, especially on steep slopes.

In California, the situation is now getting dramatically worse ZDF reported. Massive forest fires there have already destroyed over a hundred square kilometers and more than 180,000 people had to be brought to safety. The combination of arson, strong winds and prolonged drought, in the context of climate change, has exacerbated the fires. Dr. Christopher Reyer from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research explains that the recurring extreme weather conditions caused by global warming are the cause of the more frequent and intense forest fires. This year could be the hottest on record, further extending the wildfire season and increasing pressure on all affected regions.