Red alarm level: Air observation due to the high risk of forest fire in Upper Franconia!

Luftbeobachtung in Oberfranken: Maßnahme gegen hohe Waldbrandgefahr bis 3. Juli 2025. Verhaltensregeln beachten!
Air observation in Upper Franconia: Measure against a high risk of forest fire until July 3, 2025. (Symbolbild/MW)

Red alarm level: Air observation due to the high risk of forest fire in Upper Franconia!

Bamberg, Deutschland - The authorities have an increasing risk of forest fire in Bavaria. As the government of Upper Franconia , an air observation has been running since June 28, 2025, which has been extended until July 3, 2025. Particular attention is paid to endangered forest areas that monitor the air helper relays from Bayreuth and Bamberg.

The locations are diverse and extend over the pine and spruce forests of the Jura hoch area, the main moor forest and the forest areas between Bamberg and Forchheim. “Lower Mark” west of Forchheim, the Langheimer Forst near Lichtenfels and the forests in the Coburg region are also the focus of these preventive measures. Air observation is not only regarded as a preventive measure, but also as a way to be able to intervene quickly in an emergency.

important rules of conduct

In view of the high risk of forest fire, the Office for Fire and Disaster Protection of the City of Bamberg has published some rules of conduct. This includes smoking and open fire in the forest are absolutely forbidden. The entrance of locked forest areas is also prohibited. Drivers should only use designated parking spaces to minimize the risk of hot catalysts that can ignite dry grass.

Little things can have great consequences: when grilling and campfire, special caution should not only be used in the forest, but also in the area. If you notice a fire or smoke development, you should immediately raise the alarm under number 112 and provide the most precise as possible location or travel descriptions, including GPS coordinates. It is also important not to remove traffic pylons in the forest because they serve as a guide for the fire brigade.

air observation flights: an effective means

Air observation usually takes place on weekends and public holidays, if the forest fire risk is particularly high, the Bavarian Interior Ministry . The aim is to discover fires early and to determine the exact location of the fire site. Here, volunteer pilots of the air rescue relay Bavaria e.V. support the fire brigades on the ground with precise information from the air.

Bayern can fall back on over 300 pilots, 150 aircraft and 5 helicopters, which are stationed at 32 bases. Trained air observers of disaster protection ensure that the emergency services can be alerted in a targeted manner on the ground. Communication via BOS radio is essential to ensure a smooth process.

special caution in the Alps

The current situation in the Bavarian Alps is particularly alarming, where the danger index of the German Weather Service shows level four out of five. According to Forest Minister Michaela Kaniber is now highly caution. The ban on smoking in the forest, which has been in effect since the beginning of March, must be observed. Carelessness, such as thrown cigarettes or sparks, can have devastating consequences.

Dated grass and dry needle litter are slightly inflammatory and represent a high risk, especially in light pine and spruce forests as well as in heavily frequented excursion areas. It is crucial that forest owners pay attention to disposing of rice and crown material instead of burning them in the forest. The forecasts indicate that the high risk of forest fires will continue on the coming days.

In view of these dangers, it is important to be attentive and to follow the authorities' guidelines to protect our forests and prevent possible fires. Each individual can make a contribution to security!

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OrtBamberg, Deutschland
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