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Wildfires: how to prevent them and prepare a home near the forest

Prevent wildfires: a practical guide

⏱ 3 min read

Campfires, bans, homes near forests. A guide based on official advice. The same text is in the free SurvivalZone.app and works without internet.

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Most forest and grass fires in Europe are started by people: careless use of fire, cigarette ends or deliberately burning grass. Droughts mean the risk grows from year to year.

Prevention is simple, and preparing a home near the forest can decide whether a fire reaches it.

Check the fire danger

  1. Forestry and weather services publish a daily forest fire danger level. At the highest levels, forests may be closed to visitors. In Germany the weather service DWD publishes a forest fire danger index. Check it before a hike or camping trip.

Fire in and near the forest

  1. Light campfires only in designated places. In many countries fires are banned in forests and close to them.
  2. Do not throw away cigarette ends or leave glass, which can focus sunlight.
  3. Use a barbecue on firm ground, away from dry grass, and put it out completely.
  4. Never burn grass. It is banned in many countries and very dangerous.

A home near the forest

  1. Keep a strip of short grass around the house, free of dry leaves and branches. Store firewood away from the walls. Clear needles from the gutters. Make sure a fire engine can reach the property.

A plan for a fire nearby

  1. Know which way you would drive out if fire approached, and keep a grab bag packed. If you see smoke or fire in a forest, call 112 at once and give the exact location.

Checklist

  1. Fire danger checked before going to the forest
  2. Campfires only in designated places
  3. No grass burning
  4. A strip of short grass around the house
  5. Firewood away from the walls
  6. Access for fire engines
  7. Grab bag and an exit route

See also

Frequently asked questions

Where can I light a campfire in a forest?

Only in places designated by the forest manager. In many countries fires are banned in and near forests.

How do I know if a forest is closed because of fire danger?

Check the daily fire danger level from your forestry or weather service and local notices.

What should I do if I see smoke in a forest?

Call 112 and give the exact location. Do not try to fight a large fire yourself; move away upwind.

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Sources

Official sources are checked automatically every day. Last check: 2026-11-04.

General guidance only; it does not replace the emergency services. If a life is in danger, call 112.