Wildfire Danger in Lower Austria: Police Sound Alarm Due to Illegal Campfires

Due to the current drought, the risk of forest fires is increasing in several regions of Lower Austria. The Lower Austrian police are calling on all citizens to exercise special caution and are warning against illegal campfires in light of recent incidents.

Despite Increased Risk: Fire Pit Discovered in Payerbach and the Höllental

On February 28, 2025, a hiker reported a fire pit near the so-called Jubilee Viewpoint at Geyerstein in Payerbach to the fire department via emergency call at around 2:40 PM. The fire pit was located next to a hiking trail.

The fire pit was bordered with stones and was obviously not completely extinguished. Upon discovery, an area of approximately 2 m² was already smoldering. Thanks to the hiker and the fire department, the spread to the surrounding area and the trees located there was prevented. Only 5 kilometers away, at the Mittagsteig in Hirschwang in the market town of Reichenau an der Rax, a devastating fire occurred in October 2021.

On March 9, 2025, another prepared and an already extinguished fire pit were discovered by forest inspection authorities on the banks of the Schwarza in the Höllental, Neunkirchen district. At the time of discovery, there was a strong south wind and the risk of a fire incident was significant.

Acute Danger: Forest Fire Regulations in Effect for 6 Districts in Lower Austria

Due to the risk of forest fires, forest fire regulations have been in effect for the following districts as of March 10, 2025: Baden, Bruck an der Leitha, Lilienfeld, Mödling, St. Pölten, and Wiener Neustadt.

Violations of the existing regulations can be punished with heavy fines. The penalty framework amounts to up to 7,270 euros or four weeks of substitute imprisonment.

(Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.