Easter bonfires: The district provides information on what to look out for

In the district, too, the Easter holidays are celebrated in a long tradition with many different customs. On many hills in the Waldeck-Frankenberg region, the popular Easter fires blaze as a visible sign. According to old beliefs, they are supposed to drive away the winter and the cold and welcome the spring and the light. The district draws attention to the fact that those responsible should, however, observe safety instructions in the interest of the general public.

The permissibility of Easter bonfires must always be agreed in advance with the responsible cities and municipalities. On the one hand, it is important to select the right location for the Easter bonfire - namely areas without vegetation. Habitats worthy of protection such as dry grasslands, hedges and tree stands as well as roadsides must not be impaired. Furthermore, a distance of 100 metres from inhabited buildings, nature reserves and forests, 50 metres from roads and railway lines and 35 metres from other buildings, trees, hedges and field margins must be maintained. If in doubt, seek expert advice from the fire brigade.

Furthermore, the fuel for the Easter bonfires may be brought in and piled up at the earliest one week before burning. If piling up takes place earlier, it is necessary to rearrange the pile of wood shortly before burning in order to prevent animals (e.g. birds, hedgehogs or other small mammals) that have settled there in the meantime from perishing in the flames.

Only brushwood, branches and other untreated wood as well as straw are to be used as fuel. Waste such as car tyres, fertiliser sacks or the like have no place in an Easter bonfire; their use is against the regulations and can be punished. Under no circumstances should flammable and toxic liquids such as petrol or other fire accelerants be used to light the fire, as in addition to the dangers to human health, some of these can sink into the ground and contaminate the soil and groundwater. All unburned remains of the Easter fire, such as ashes and unburned wood, are to be disposed of completely and properly by the organisers to the exclusion of possible fire hazards.

If you have any questions or suggestions, please do not hesitate to contact the Environmental and Climate Protection Department of the Waldeck-Frankenberg district at 05631 954-448 or umwelt@lkwafkb.de.