© dpa
The risk of wildfires in Berlin is expected to rise in the coming days.
While Level 3 is still in effect today in Marzahn, Tempelhof, and Dahlem - that is, at three of the four stations operated by the German Weather Service (DWD) - and Level 4 is in effect in Buch, the alert level will rise gradually over the coming days, according to the DWD’s Wildfire Risk Index (WBI). Level 4 indicates "high risk."
On Saturday, the second-highest level, Level 4, will be in effect at the Buch, Marzahn and Tempelhof stations. Level 3 remains in effect in Dahlem. Level 4 is already in effect in nine districts in Brandenburg as well. According to the WBI, several districts could reach the highest level, Level 5, on Saturday. Temperatures will also rise in the coming days. On Saturday, temperatures in Berlin are expected to reach up to 37 degrees. According to the Berlin Forestry Department, the only natural cause of fire in the local forest ecosystem is a lightning strike, which occurs extremely rarely.
Forest fires are almost always caused by human activity. It is said that taking the right precautions plays a key role in fire prevention. This includes avoiding open flames or smoldering objects in the forest: do not smoke, barbecue, use camping stoves or build campfires outside of official fire pits. Cars belong in the parking lot, forest officials remind the public. Dry grass and leaves catch fire quickly. It's also important to keep paths clear for the fire department. Anyone who notices smoke or fire should call 112 immediately.