Easter: Wildfire risk rises again in Brandenburg

The risk of wildfires is rising again in Brandenburg. (File photo)

The risk of wildfires in Brandenburg will increase again starting on Easter Monday. While the Ministry of the Environment reports that the wildfire risk on Good Friday was mostly very low or low in some areas, the risk will rise thereafter.

The German Weather Service is forecasting a moderate to high risk of wildfires in most parts of the country on Easter Monday, with plenty of sunshine and no precipitation. Several small fires have already occurred this season. On Thursday, a meadow caught fire in Birkenwerder in the Oberhavel district. Police are investigating the possibility of arson.

With little rainfall, extensive pine forests, and light sandy soils, Brandenburg is the German state with the highest risk of forest fires. According to the Ministry of the Environment, it is prohibited year-round to light a fire or smoke in the forest or within 50 meters of the forest edge.