Before a woodland day around Wandlitz, check Brandenburg's official wildfire information. The responsible forestry authority publishes danger levels for the districts and explains their meaning. Use the current figure for the relevant area rather than treating an older screenshot as today's information. Also check weather warnings and local notices for your intended outing.
Read the five levels correctly
The scale runs from level one, very low danger, to level five, very high danger. The intermediate levels indicate low, moderate and high danger. It expresses an assessment of wildfire danger, and the published information is updated according to conditions.
Check the date and district. A number from another region or an earlier day is not an appropriate substitute. The danger level alone also does not tell you whether a particular path is open or which additional local measures apply. Read the responsible authorities' accompanying information as well.
Low danger is not permission for a fire
The nature park visitor code prohibits fires, barbecuing and outdoor cooking, and points out the smoking ban in woodland. A low displayed level does not set these rules aside. Bring food for a break that needs no heating, and do not plan an improvised fireplace.
Discuss this decision with your group before leaving. That avoids a debate at a resting place about whether a small stove or an individual barbecue might be acceptable that day. Applicable rules and notices determine the answer, rather than your personal impression of the weather.
Adapt the day to current notices
With the DWD, check which warning applies to which area and period. A wildfire danger level and a weather warning can describe different aspects of the same day. Read each in context and comply with closures at the location.
If the responsible bodies announce restrictions, or the outing cannot sensibly be adapted, choose another destination. Establish a possible alternative beforehand. A visit outside woodland can fill a holiday day well without requiring a previously planned forest walk to go ahead.
Common questions
May I barbecue in woodland at danger level one?
No. The level is not permission. The nature park visitor code prohibits fires and barbecuing regardless of a personal assessment of danger.
Does a high level prove that every woodland path is closed?
No. Danger assessment and specific access restrictions are different matters. Check current announcements from the responsible bodies and local notices.
