German fire departments are calling for increased capabilities in combating wildfires, with a particular emphasis on enhancing aerial support. Karl-Heinz Banse, President of the German Fire Brigade Association, stated in an interview with the Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung that bolstering aerial resources is a critical need.
A key area for improvement, according to Banse, is the number of helicopters available for firefighting efforts. While acknowledging that fixed-wing firefighting aircraft are limited by Germany’s diverse terrain, he highlighted the versatility of helicopters, noting their ability to reach almost any location and to perform crucial roles such as rescuing individuals and transporting equipment. He cited the example of mobile fire pumps that could be deployed via helicopter to mountainous areas, such as the Harz region, in the event of a wildfire.
The need for enhanced resources is underscored by recent data from the Federal Institute for Agriculture and Nutrition (BLE), which reported 563 wildfires in the past year, consuming approximately 334 hectares of forest.
The increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires are linked to climate change, driven by human-caused global warming. This is contributing to conditions conducive to wildfires, including prolonged droughts and heatwaves. In Germany, the number of heat days has tripled since the 1950s, averaging 11.5 heat days per year. Without a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, cities like Berlin face the prospect of 20 to 35 heat days annually between 2071 and 2100. Adherence to the Paris Agreement’s climate goals could limit this to an average of 10 to 16 heat days per year.
