High vegetation fire risk forces Stadt Essen to ban barbecues from July 30, 2026
Essen, Baldeneysee, July 29, 2026. All over Europe, people are fighting fires. Due to current circumstances, the ongoing drought, and the resulting extremely high risk of vegetation fires, the [Stadt Essen] has issued a general decree: Starting Thursday, July 30, which is tomorrow, grilling is prohibited even in the officially designated grilling zones of the city area, such as in the Löwental in Essen-Werden near Baldeneysee prohibited. This ban remains in effect until further notice and is intended to help prevent fires.
Risk of fire due to extreme dryness
The decision is based, among other things, on the grassland fire index of the German Weather Service (DWD), which currently indicates level 4. For tomorrow, the highest level 5 is even forecasted – a clear indication of how extremely high the risk of vegetation fires is currently assessed to be. The dry soils and plants are particularly sensitive, so that even small sparks or improperly disposed of charcoal can trigger fatal fires.
Ban applies to all open fires
Specifically, the city bans grilling with charcoal grills, disposable grills, and other open fire pits in all official grilling areas. In recent years, minor fires have occurred at these locations several times, mostly caused by flying sparks or glowing remnants that were not properly disposed of. The risk has increased significantly due to the current weather conditions.
Why a grilling ban?
Essen is reacting in this way to the specific risks posed by high temperatures and a lack of rain. Under these conditions, vegetation fires spread extremely rapidly and cause major property damage in addition to environmental damage. Furthermore, the measure protects not only parks and vegetation in general, but also people and animals from the consequences of a potential fire. Even before the general decree was issued, open barbecuing outside of designated barbecue zones in public areas and near forests was strictly prohibited.
Duration of the grilling ban still undetermined
How long the grill ban will remain in place depends on the further development of the weather conditions. The city administration wants to monitor the situation closely and lift the general decree as soon as the danger has decreased again. Until then, the administration urgently appeals to all citizens to strictly observe the ban in order to prevent damage. Even carelessly discarded glass and bottles can spark a major fire in no time under direct sunlight.
Open fire as a major hazard
Baldeneysee.Ruhr asks everyone to spread this information among family and friends and to take preventative action. Just yesterday, a fire broke out on a balcony on Huffmannstraße, and the falling, burning parts threatened to ignite the apartment building and the neighboring house. Open fire is a danger that no one should underestimate and that can reach dramatic proportions in a flash.
