Waldbrand in Thuringia: Rewy nuisance reaches North Ober Franconia!

Waldbrand in Thuringia: Rewy nuisance reaches North Ober Franconia!

The concern is floating like a smoky flag over a larger forest fire, which is currently raging in the district of Saalfeld in Thuringia. The devastating flames are not just a problem for the region; They also ensure noticeable odor nuisance in parts of Northern Ober Franconia. The districts of Kulmbach, Kronach, Coburg, Lichtenfels and the northern part of the Bayreuth district, the northwestern part of Bamberg and Hof, and the city of Coburg are particularly affected. The government of Upper Franconia has published a warning in the lowest danger level 3 via the modular warning system (Mowas), which means that there is currently no direct risk to the population, but is being cited. You can find out more on bayreuth.de .

While acute health risk is currently excluded, the government still recommends paying attention to changes in air quality. Windows and doors should be kept better closed to isolate the air from possible smoke particles. You can never be careful enough, it is often said - and that applies all the more in such situations. The authorities are closely in contact with the integrated control centers and continue to observe the situation closely; In the event of changes, the population will be informed as soon as possible.

Health risks by forest fires

But where do the concerns about air quality come from? Forest fires release a variety of pollutants, including fine dust, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAK) and carbon monoxide. It particularly has the fine dust: it consists of extremely small particles (pm2.5), which can penetrate deep into the lungs and can thus cause inflammatory processes and stress in human cells. In the long term, this pollutant increases mortality and could lead to serious illnesses. According to Federal Environment Agency can even lead acute high fine dust values.

Especially people with existing respiratory diseases or cardiovascular problems are particularly at risk. Therefore, an eye should always be thrown on the air quality. Newborns could also suffer from the consequences of forest fires, for example in the form of low birth weight or premature birth. The negative impact of fine dust could be similar in the long term like the urban fine dust pollution, but there are no detailed studies on specific forest fire enemies and their long-term consequences.

For everyone who struggles with breathing difficulties or just want to be on the safe side, the following applies: A safe relationship with the forest fire cannot be defined. However, with increasing distance from the source of the fire, the likelihood of acute health effects decreases.

The recommendation to the population: keep attitudes, remain informed and keep the windows closed. Summer has only started and there is still a lot going on! Stay healthy and remember that caution is better than forbearance.