Another arson in Jena - population called on to be vigilant

On Monday, there were again presumably deliberate arsons in the forest around Lobdeburg Castle. The fire engines were called out once around midday, the second time at 9.30 pm. The damage was contained by rapid intervention. However, this is not a matter of course at forest fire level 4. The dry conditions are unlikely to change over the next few days.

Peter Schörnig, head of the Jena fire department, commented: "It is all the more incomprehensible that fires are repeatedly found in forests that have been started by humans. It is also incomprehensible why people go into the forest with a disposable barbecue or carelessly throw away their cigarette butts."

The city and the Jena police will increase their presence in the forest around Lobdeburg Castle in order to recognize and eliminate dangerous situations at an early stage and to identify those responsible. The presence will also extend into the evening and night hours. The Jena police will also deploy plainclothes officers for this purpose.

In addition, those responsible in the city of Jena are making an impressive appeal to the public: Watch out for suspicious activities in the forest. Smoking, barbecuing or even open fires are grossly negligent. They endanger nature and, ultimately, human lives. Head of Department Benjamin Koppe emphasizes this: "There must be no tolerance and no turning a blind eye here. The forests in Jena are existential for the city - let's treat them as such!"