FRANKFURT, June 18 (Xinhua) -- Germany saw a significant decline in wildfires in 2024, according to new data released by the German Federal Information Centre for Agriculture (BZL) on Wednesday. Nevertheless, experts warn of a worsening situation across Europe, where rising climate risks and changing land use patterns continue to fuel more frequent and intense wildfires.
The number of forest fires fell from 1,059 in 2023 to 563 in 2024, while the total area burned decreased dramatically from 1,240 hectares to 334 hectares.
The figures mark a sharp drop from both last year and the annual averages recorded since 1991. Officials attribute the decline primarily to a humid summer marked by high temperatures, frequent rainfall, and thunderstorms, conditions that contrasted with the dry, hot summers of previous years.
The occurrence of wildfires varies across Germany due to regional differences in climate, soil, and forest types, said BZL. Once again, Brandenburg, known for its sandy soils and pine forests, reported the highest number of fires and the largest burned area, with 211 incidents affecting 226 hectares.
Despite the positive trend in Germany, experts warn of a worsening situation across Europe. A recent report by the European Academies' Science Advisory Council (EASAC) highlights that the risk of extreme wildfires is rising dramatically due to a combination of climate change, rural depopulation, and altered land use.
According to EASAC, more than twice as many urban areas in Europe are now at wildfire risk compared to North America or Asia. This growing vulnerability stems not only from rising temperatures but also from deep socio-ecological shifts. Abandoned farmland, unchecked vegetation growth, and population decline in rural regions have created vast accumulations of flammable material.
"Suppressing fires is no longer enough," said Cathelijne Stoof, co-chair of EASAC's Wildfire Working Group. "We must address root causes, act against climate change, invest in resilient landscapes, and empower societies to live with fire." ■
