From Hildburg Bruns
Helicopters, fire sensors, wide fire brigade paths. Berlin has to arm itself against burning trees, bushes and soil.
“Unfortunately, it’s only a matter of time before a Berlin forest catches fire,” warns environmental politician Benedikt Lux (40, Greens).
That’s why the deputy developed a 6-point immediate program – together with the Green forest expert Julia Schneider (32). She says: “We have to massively increase protection. The forests cool our city and are our best allies in the fight against climate change.”
The politicians are demanding:
►Plan forest paths for fire brigade access roads. Many are passable for fire engines, but not all. Cooperation between forests and fire brigades must be accelerated.
►Purchase a firefighting helicopter. Berlin shares a helicopter with the federal police, but it is not suitable for extinguishing. A joint helicopter with Brandenburg, such as a “Super Puma”, would be an option so that it would not have to be requested from the federal police.
Such a super puma (manufactured by Airbus Helicopter) with its “Bambi Buckets” can take up to 5000 liters in one minute in a 50 cm deep body of water for extinguishing Photo: Picture Alliance / photothek
►Install more forest fire sensors. So far they only run in the Müggelheim forest.
►Farewell to the pure coniferous forest. So that the forests can replant deciduous trees, they will receive ten million euros – mixed forests are more resistant to fire.
►unseal surfaces. Far too much water leaves Berlin through the Spree and Havel, and the soil is drying out. Removing asphalt and green roofs can keep rain in the city.
Last point: Cigarette butts and rubbish are a danger for Berlin’s forests – that needs to be communicated more strongly.
