```html Warning of Wildfire Danger Due to Drought ```
The Austrian Federal Forests (ÖBf) have urged forest visitors to exercise special caution due to the risk of forest fires. As temperatures rise, the soils continue to dry out, while at the same time, more and more people are seeking nature for recreational activities.
Forest Fire Risk: Humans Often the Cause of Forest Fires
"Especially now, when the fresh sprouting is still missing and the vegetation is dry in many places, even a small spark can be enough to ignite leaves or grass," emphasized Andreas Gruber, board member for forestry and nature conservation of the Austrian Federal Forests. Around 80 percent of forest fires in Austria are human-caused. "Our urgent appeal is therefore to behave thoughtfully and cautiously in the forest. Carelessly discarded cigarettes, open fires, or barbecuing can have devastating consequences and, in the truest sense of the word, quickly become a game with fire in the forest," said ÖBf board spokesman Georg Schöppl. If a fire does occur, rapid action is essential according to the ÖBf: "Do not hesitate to immediately alert the fire department via the emergency number 122 if you notice smoke or flames. The first few minutes are crucial to prevent a larger spread," emphasized Schöppl.
Federal Forests Rely on Prevention for Forest Fire Risk
To counteract the increasing fire risk, the Federal Forests are increasingly relying on prevention. This includes, among other things, cooperation with fire departments, forest fire fighting exercises, and training of employees, targeted awareness-raising for visitors - for example, through the campaign "#waldfairliebt" - as well as adapted forest management. "Particular attention is paid to the mixing of endangered forest areas with deciduous trees, which can promote more moisture from deeper soil layers even in drier times. Equally crucial is the development and maintenance of a stable humus layer, which stores precipitation as best as possible and releases additional moisture to the air during heat," said Gruber.
(APA/Red)
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