Under the sign of the "squirrel"
To protect against forest fires, the city's lower forestry authority provides information on the occasion of the nationwide introduction of the new forest fire risk index
From March 2014, the new Forest Fire Danger Index (WBI) will be introduced with a standardised nationwide designation of the forest fire danger levels. The forest fire danger levels indicated by the "squirrel" symbol (signet) are divided into five levels:
Level 1: very low danger; Level 2: low danger; Level 3: medium danger; Level 4: high danger; Level 5: very high danger.
The German Weather Service calculates the danger levels on the basis of hourly time series, taking into account air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, precipitation rate and amount of snow as well as short- and long-wave radiation in the atmosphere. In the period from March to October, which is particularly prone to forest fires, they are made available to the districts, independent cities and the public on a daily basis.
Information on the forest fire risk levels can be foundonline at http://www.smul.sachsen.de/sbs/ and http://www.dwd.de/waldbrand.
Follow the rules - to protect against forest fires
According to the experience of forestry authorities and fire brigades, over 90 per cent of forest fires are caused by human error. As the risk of forest fires is particularly high in spring, before the leaves start to emerge, the lower forestry authority in the City of Chemnitz's green spaces officealso takes the information on the forest fire danger levels as an opportunity to ask citizens to observe and comply with important rules when in the forests - here is an overview:
No open fires in and near forests: Smoking and/or throwing away smouldering objects (such as cigarette butts) is prohibited all year round in forests and within 100 metres of forests. This is stipulated in the Saxon Forest Act (§ 15 SächsWaldG). According to the Saxon Forest Act (§ 15 SächsWaldG), fires and naked flames may only be lit in the forest and within 100 metres of the forest with an exemption permit from the lower forest authority. This also applies to bonfires and traditional fires. It is generally prohibited in the Free State of Saxony to light so-called sky lanterns - known as sky lanterns, Kong Ming lanterns, wish lanterns or sky torches.
Do not leave any glass waste lying around: Glass waste can act like a burning glass when exposed to sunlight and can also cause forest fires.
Always keep access roads into the forest clear: Driving on forest roads with motor vehicles is also regulated in the Saxon Forest Act and is only permitted with the authorisation of the forest owner, without exception, in accordance with Section 11 (4) SächsWaldG. It is essential that the access routes into the forest for the fire brigade, emergency services and commercial vehicles are kept clear at all times - i.e. also at weekends - and must not be blocked by parked vehicles. This also applies in particular to parking in front of the no-driving or information signs.
If possible, provide first aid: Anyone who notices smoke or fires in the forest should of course report this immediately to the fire service control centre (phone 112). Smaller incipient fires can be prevented from spreading further by trying to extinguish them yourself (e.g. smothering the fire with earth or sand) - but only if you are not putting yourself in danger.