German Municipalities Weigh Restrictions on Easter Fires as Drought Raises Wildfire Risk

With wildfire danger rated at a moderate level, local officials are balancing cultural traditions with environmental and safety concerns.

The Deutscher Wetterdienst has rated the current wildfire risk in Germany at level 3 out of 5, signaling moderate danger due to prolonged dry conditions.
Local authorities are expected to decide in the coming days whether to cancel or restrict traditional Easter fires, with some regions already recommending caution.
The Feuerwehrverband suggests that controlled Easter fires may proceed safely if strict measures, such as maintaining distance from forests, are enforced.
Environmental groups, including the Naturschutzbund, warn that improperly managed firewood piles pose risks to local wildlife, urging careful handling of materials.
Historical precedents, like the 2019 cancellations in Eastern Germany, highlight the recurring challenges of balancing cultural practices with evolving environmental risks.