Fire bans, danger ratings and fire etiquette

Whether a spark becomes a fire depends mainly on how dry the grass, leaves, needles and thin twigs on the ground are. Drought, high temperatures, low humidity and wind dry this material out and let a fire grow faster. The danger can also be high in spring, when old, dry grass from the previous year is still lying around and fresh green growth is missing.

Weather services and forestry authorities summarise these factors in danger levels or indices, often updated daily. In Germany, for example, the German Weather Service (DWD) publishes a wildfire danger index. From such assessments, the responsible bodies derive restrictions, which can vary greatly from region to region.

Several forms are typical: fires only at designated fire sites; fires only with a permit or the landowner's consent; seasonal bans in dry months; and total bans, which may also include barbecues or certain stoves. Which rule applies you can only find out locally and currently.

A fire ban applies without exception – including small fires, practice fires, barbecues, cigarettes and open-flame stoves unless these are explicitly permitted. Anyone who makes a fire anyway and causes a wildfire must expect substantial penalties and liability for the damage.

The atlas deliberately does not state specific laws, distances or fines, because they differ by country, region, municipality and season and can change. This overview does not replace information from the responsible authority or legal advice.

Allow a few minutes before every trip. Ask the responsible authority, the forestry service, the management of a protected area or the campsite. Look up the current danger index. On site, signs and notices also apply – they can be stricter than what you read at home.

Make sure your information is current. A page from last summer or a tip from a forum does not help if a ban is in force today. If you are unsure, do not make a fire – a stove, where it is permitted, or cold food are then the simple solution.

Where fire is permitted, use existing fire sites instead of creating new ones. Every new fire site leaves a burn scar, and many small fire sites next to each other spoil a place. Keep the fire small – a small fire is enough for cooking and warmth and is easier to control.

Collect only dead and down wood where this is permitted, and do not break green branches off trees. In many places it is recommended to buy firewood locally rather than bringing it from far away, because pests can travel in the wood. Do not burn food scraps or packaging, and take all your rubbish back with you.

Never leave a fire unattended and extinguish it completely: water, stir, more water, feel. If a fire gets out of control, do not fight it alone: get yourself and others to safety and immediately call the local emergency number (112 in the EU).

The Leave No Trace principles describe how to keep the impact of campfires as low as possible. Among other things, they recommend using a lightweight stove for cooking and making fires only where they are permitted and appropriate.

Good fire etiquette protects not only nature but also the relationship with landowners and residents. Handling fire responsibly helps keep fire sites open for others too.