An unusual action is causing a stir in North Rhine-Westphalia: In the forests of Affeln in the Sauerland region, a flame retardant in a striking pink color was sprayed on approximately 200 square meters of forest floor. This measure has a serious background and is not the only such project.
Forest and vegetation fires are becoming increasingly frequent and intense. They pose a major risk to humans and animals, but also to forests as an economic factor and, in particular, as storage sites for CO2.
On Saturday, March 22, 2025, a flame-retardant was tested for the first time in North Rhine-Westphalia on approximately 200 m² of forest land in the town of Neuenrade in Affeln. The test of the fire retardant was conducted at the initiative of @fire and in cooperation with Forest and Wood NRW, the Lower Nature Conservation and Water Authorities of the Märkischer Kreis, the town of Neuenrade, and the Neuenrade Fire Department.
The transition to fluorine-free foam extinguishing agents raises many questions, particularly among users. In addition to concerns about extinguishing performance, users are eager to know whether the existing extinguishing equipment and established firefighting tactics can continue to be used.
The increasing emphasis on environmental aspects in firefighting operations is making the choice and application of extinguishing agents increasingly challenging. Firefighting efforts must become more efficient due to the shortage of personnel and resources. Additionally, operational scenarios are becoming more complex due to the interconnection of various modes of transportation in public spaces.
The recent wildfires in South America have once again demonstrated the devastating impact of forest and vegetation fires. Recent summers in Central and Northern Europe were also characterized by drought and dried-out forests, which is why European fire departments are already intensively preparing for the coming dry period.
When using foam, it is not only the extinguishing performance that is decisive, but also the technology available, the tactics of the fire brigade and environmental aspects.