Gloomy forecast

Forest fire risk in the foothills of the Alps rises sharply

The number of days on which the risk of forest fires is at least high will more than double by the end of the 21st century.(Bild: Ingo Bartussek)

According to a study, the risk of forest fires in the foothills of the Alps will increase rapidly from 2040 due to climate change. Weather conditions that can trigger forest fires, which occur every 100 years today, will occur every 30 years by 2050 and every ten years by the end of the century.

In addition, according to the forecasts, weather conditions favorable for forest fires will occur earlier in the year. Today, the forest fire season often begins in June, later in May. The trend is clear, according to a statement from the Swiss Snow and Avalanche Research Institute SLF on Tuesday.

The number of days on which the risk of forest fires is at least high will more than double by the end of the 21st century. "Even in regions with a temperate climate, it will therefore be necessary to prepare for forest fires in the future," said lead author Julia Miller. She suggests measures such as water reservoirs for fire-fighting helicopters and warning signs to make local people aware of the danger.

Soil moisture suffers
According to the study, the reason for the increase is factors that increase the risk of forest fires - such as hot, dry and windy weather. Summer heatwaves and droughts also reduce soil moisture and vegetation catches fire more easily.

The researchers used the Fire Weather Index (FWI) to calculate the risk of forest fires. This assesses the risk of forest fires based on data about the weather and the flammability of combustible material such as dead wood and dry leaves.