• If you see fire or smoke, immediately call the emergency number 112!
• Illegal firesites and campfires, even if they appear to be extinguished, should be reported, as well as the smell of fire.
• You don't know exactly where you are? Go to the nearest guidepost. On its back, you will find a small yellow plastic label with a four-digit number. Tell the emergency services this number and follow any further instructions. Thank you!

• Yes, fire is prohibited in all forests in Saxony.
• This includes camping cookers as well as cigarettes.
• Even a supposedly cold campfire or a ‘safely disposed of’ cigarette are sources of danger. Given the persistently high risk of forest fires, any small risk is too great.
• In addition, irregular behaviour often inspires other visitors to the region to do the same - according to the motto: ‘If everyone does it, it can't be that bad’.

The already dry soils of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains have dried out further due to the extreme heat of recent years.

The very dense, dry litter layer - typical of the region - provides ideal ignition material. A tiny amount of embers and a gust of wind can quickly ignite a fire that rapidly eats its way across the ground.

The embers can also smoulder deep into the ground and travel ‘underground’ before breaking out again elsewhere. This is how a supposedly extinguished campfire turns into an uncontrollable forest fire many days and sometimes weeks later.

Hot catalytic converters can also ignite dry leaves. This is just one of the reasons why parking on forest roads is prohibited. Illegally parked vehicles can also hinder fire brigades, mountain rescue and emergency services.

Most forest fires are started by human hands. Only 4% are caused by natural causes (lightning strikes). The remaining 94% do not appear out of nowhere, but simply include those forest fires whose cause could not be 100% clarified by the fire investigation.

The forest fire danger level for the region is determined by the German Weather Service (DWD). Fire does not depend on this number, it can break out at any time.

From level 3, fires are also prohibited at the legal fireplaces (see below), from level 4 the forest can be closed to visitors for safety reasons. Entering the forest is always at your own risk.

Find out about the current risk of forest fires in Saxony on this website in German. From 1 March until 31 October, this map shows the current risk level throughout saxony. The numbers reach from 1 (very low risk) to 5 (extremely high risk) in the colours light yellow to dark red. 

As there is a general ban on fires in Saxon forests (see above), hikers are always asking for alternatives where they can experience the cosiness of a fire in the open air. This wish can be fulfilled at public fireplaces in the national park. The sites are carefully selected according to safety criteria. As they are easily accessible for visitors, the national park rangers and the fire brigade, they are largely safe.

Guests at these fireplaces agree to comply with the conditions of use:

• Fires are only permitted at the legal fire sites up to forest fire danger level 2. Otherwise: No fires in the national park!
• Only use wood you have brought yourself, do not take wood from the national park.
• Do not leave the fire site until the embers have been completely extinguished.
• No overnight stays.

See the overview of public fireplaces in the national park