Forest Fire Risk Vienna: Drought, Barbecue Ban & Ordinance 2026

Situation in the Vienna Woods

The Vienna Forest Fire Ordinance of May 21, 2026, remains in force in the meantime. Smoking, handling open fire and light, and the ignition of fire in the forest and its hazard zone are prohibited. The ordinance applies until further notice and will only be lifted after a sustained easing of the weather situation.

Since May 8, a barbecue ban has also been in effect at public barbecue areas in Vienna; however, private barbecuing remains permitted. Christian Feiler, press spokesperson for the Vienna Professional Fire Department, nevertheless warned against private barbecuing on windy days, as the wind allows a fire to spread more quickly. In dry conditions like these, it is "als würde man in einen Griller hineinpusten".

Measures and Prohibitions

Feiler told APA that the professional fire department is in principle prepared for a larger forest fire in Vienna. The off-road firefighting vehicles are equipped for rugged terrain, and ground nozzles on the fire trucks can be used to combat a surface fire. For large-scale operations, there are also containers that can pump water from the Danube or other bodies of water as needed.

An efficient fight against a forest fire depends, among other things, on the spread of the fire, accessibility, and wind conditions, Feiler said. He also pointed out that, due to climate change, the fire danger would persist for longer in the future because of longer-lasting heat waves. According to scientists, climate change intensifies the length, strength, and duration of heat waves.

Fire Department Preparations

According to the Provincial Forest Inspection (LFI), coniferous forests in particular are especially at risk. According to the LFI, the entire Donauinsel, for example, is affected by severe drying out. In addition to forests in Vienna, spring protection areas around the city are currently also exposed to a high level of danger. These include, for instance, the Rax and Schneeberg area or the Hochschwab massif southwest of Vienna.

Annerl pointed out another consequence: In the event of a fire, the city's drinking water sources are essentially secure, but the forest would no longer be able to properly filter rainwater. Around 80 percent of forest fires are caused by humans, according to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry – an indication of how crucial prudent behavior in the forest is.

The authorities emphasize that the acute forest fire risk is present now. The combination of dry soils, wind, and human activity can quickly ignite and spread fires. The city is therefore relying on public education, prohibitions, and the preparation of the emergency services.

Risks Beyond the City Limits

The Vienna Professional Fire Department continues to monitor developments and adjusts its readiness to the weather situation. Should the situation escalate, the aforementioned containers with water from the Danube or other bodies of water could be deployed to increase firefighting capacity.

Overall, it is clear: The drought affects not only the forests within the city limits but also the spring protection areas important for Vienna's drinking water supply. A forest fire would therefore not only cause direct damage but also have long-term consequences for the soil's filtering function.

The City of Vienna is appealing to the population to observe the existing prohibitions and to exercise particular caution in the forest. The acute forest fire risk will remain until sustained precipitation moistens the soils again.