Fire ban also applies in Fasanerie and at Hegbachsee
Due to the ongoing drought and high risk of forest fires in Groß-Gerau, open fires and barbecues are currently prohibited in meadows and forests. The ban applies, among other places, to the popular recreational areas of Fasanerie and Hegbachsee. The city police will be stepping up enforcement.
Temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius and a lack of rainfall have severely dried out soil, undergrowth, and deadwood. Measurements taken by the German Weather Service in Wallerstädten illustrate just how exceptionally dry the summer has been so far: Only 5.2 millimeters of precipitation were recorded there in July 2026. The long-term average for July is 58 millimeters.
The outdoor barbecue area at Hegbachsee has been closed for several weeks. Barbecuing is only permitted in the barbecue hut. The city points out that this ban also applies to privately brought barbecues.
"I appeal to everyone to act responsibly," explains Mayor Jörg Rüddenklau. In the current situation, a fire could quickly break out and be difficult to control.
Smoking can also cause fires
Smoking is strictly prohibited in and around the forest at this time. Cigarette butts must not be thrown from vehicles. Cars should only be parked in designated areas, as hot exhaust systems or catalytic converters can ignite dry vegetation.
Bottles and broken glass also have no place in the forest. Although the so-called magnifying glass effect rarely occurs, potential fire hazards should still be avoided.
No grave candles in Groß-Gerau cemeteries
Due to the drought, additional restrictions are in place at the cemeteries on Klein-Gerauer Straße, Waldstraße, as well as in Berkach, Dornheim, and Wallerstädten. The cemetery administration has prohibited open grave lights and candles at these locations. Electric and LED candles may still be used.
The city also requests that people refrain from using glass containers and other glass grave decorations. A fire had already broken out at the cemetery on Klein-Gerauer Straße at the end of May.
The use of fire to kill weeds is currently strictly prohibited. Given the high risk of fire, the city of Groß-Gerau urges everyone to exercise particular caution and consideration.
(GROSS-GERAU – RED/PSGG)
Featured image: Due to the high risk of forest fires, grilling and open fires are prohibited in meadows and forests. In Groß-Gerau, this includes the Fasanerie and Hegbachsee recreational areas. Photo: Groß-Gerau district/Jörg Monzheimer
