Drought prompts Vorarlberg warning over grass and forest fires

Ongoing drought has increased the risk of grass, forest and hedge fires in Vorarlberg, ORF reports. The Vorarlberg Fire Prevention Centre is urging people to handle open flames responsibly after a grass fire broke out near the Achweg in Bregenz on Monday.

Firefighters brought the blaze under control quickly. Police said it remains unclear how the fire started near the recreation house on the Bregenzer Ach.

The continuing heat and lack of rain are affecting the soil and plants. The Fire Prevention Centre said that even a small act of carelessness, such as discarding a cigarette, can start a fire in the current dry conditions.

It advises people to handle open flames carefully, dispose of cigarette ends properly and never throw them away. Fires must not be lit in forests, at forest edges or in dry grass. Barbecues should be supervised and fully extinguished, litter should be avoided, and fireworks must not be used. A discarded glass bottle can also start a fire.

A forest fire broke out in the Gamperdonatal valley near Nenzinger Himmel at the beginning of August. Since the end of July, all district authorities in Vorarlberg have imposed a forest fire regulation. Lighting fires and smoking in all forest areas and their surroundings are currently prohibited. Violations can result in a fine of up to 7,270 euros or a prison sentence of up to four weeks.