Press releases

Due to the acute fire hazard, the city of Aachen has issued a general order banning open fires on streets and in public spaces. This is a short-term response to current developments aimed at protecting its citizens.

The ban on open fires in public areas, parks, and designated barbecue areas in Aachen’s city districts and the Aachen City Forest is in effect from Saturday, August 15, through August 31 for the time being.

The order states, among other things, that it is hereby prohibited on the streets and in public facilities of the city of Aachen, effective immediately, to “to light or maintain open fires or to use barbecue grills. This specifically includes lighting fires and barbecues of any kind (including at permanently installed barbecue areas), as well as lighting candles or charcoal, e.g., for hookahs or similar devices. It is also prohibited to discard glowing cigarette butts, matches, or similar items, as well as to dispose of ashes or tobacco residue that could ignite a fire.”

Even small flames can quickly get out of control in dry grass; a lit cigarette can instantly set dry vegetation—such as hedges or trees—on fire, especially when it’s windy. Also, never leave glass behind in nature: broken glass can act like a magnifying glass and ignite dry vegetation (even though this is less common, it cannot be ruled out).

The ban therefore applies to public areas such as designated barbecue areas, gardens, green spaces, other landscaped areas, children’s playgrounds, soccer fields and sports fields, cemeteries, and bodies of water, including their shores and embankments.

In addition, during the period mentioned, it is prohibited to light candles and grave lights, use other open sources of light, or burn incense in municipal cemeteries.