Forest and Wildfires

Longer periods of drought dry up the ground and increase the risk of fires. Carelessly lit fires, smoking, or driving vehicles in nature can cause forest and wildfires, which have devastating consequences.

When in nature, only build fires in designated areas and follow the rules.What should you do if you notice a wildfire? How to act in the fire area When extinguishing the fire yourself:After a wildfire

When in nature, only build fires in designated areas and follow the rules.

When moving around in nature, only build a fire in a designated place.
Follow local restrictions (e.g., building fires in nature during periods of drought may be prohibited).
Make sure that the fire is at a safe distance from buildings, the forest, and combustible materials. The safe distance depends primarily on the size of the fire, with the minimum safe distance for any fire being at least 8 metres. Keep the area within a half-metre radius of the campfire clean.
When building a fire, observe the direction of the wind so that the emerging sparks do not spread to buildings or forest areas. Only calm weather is suitable for building a fire.
Do not leave an open fire unattended! Let the fire burn out completely and extinguish it with water or sand. Keep suitable fire extinguishing equipment within reach near buildings: a water hose, a bucket of water or sand, and a 6 kg fire extinguisher.

What should you do if you notice a wildfire?

Call the Emergency Response Centre at 112 and ask for help.
If possible, start extinguishing or preventing the spread of the fire.
If there are people nearby who may be in danger, alert them to the fire and ask them to leave the area.
Try to estimate the size and direction of the fire and, if possible, map out suitable access routes for rescuers.

How to act in the fire area

If a fire has broken out near you that threatens to become dangerous to your home:

Try to stay informed about the situation in the area by listening to the news on the radio or other official channels.
Collect flammable items from around the building, such as garden furniture, and bring them indoors. If you are unable to move the items, cover them if possible and wet the cover.
Reduce drafts in your home by closing doors and windows and turning off ventilation.
Turn off all gas appliances and shut off the gas supply. If possible, turn off the electricity.
You can hide valuables from fire by submerging them in a metal bucket or bathtub filled with water. First, place the items in a waterproof bag and then submerge it in a container of water with a weight on top.
Be prepared to evacuate in the event of an exceptionally high risk of fire. Be sure to take your prescription medications, documents, cash, bank card, and mobile phone with charger with you. If possible, also take drinking water and some food supplies. Do not forget your pets.

When extinguishing the fire yourself:

Avoid wearing clothing made of combustible materials.
Plan your escape route carefully to avoid getting trapped by the fire.
Do not leave your car or other property downwind from the fire.
If the fire is on the ground, move carefully, like you would in a bog. When setting your steps, try to make sure that you do not sink through the soil. Extinguish a surface fire with a longer tree branch by smothering it with sweeping movements. Move carefully along the fire line.
A grass fire can also be successfully extinguished using an iron rake or shovel.
If the fire is in the soil (e.g. in a peaty area), use plenty of water to extinguish it. In the event of a ground fire, the source of fire must be dug up to extinguish it.
If the fire spreads in the treetops, move away quickly and keep as far away from the fire as possible.

If you are trapped in the fire:

If you are near a water body, move into the water to protect yourself from the heat and fire.
While on the terrain, look for a bigger stone, cave or pile of rocks to hide behind. Lie down and cover your body with wet clothes or soil (dirt) if possible.
Also cover your mouth with a wet cloth to avoid inhaling the smoke. By staying close to the ground, you better protect your lungs from smoke and heat.

After a wildfire

If people were evacuated from the area, return only if officially allowed to do so.
Be careful when moving on burnt terrain. Hot spots in the soil may ignite again.
Assist those in need and provide first aid if necessary.
Check the attics and roofs of buildings. Make sure all rooms in the building are fire-free.