Second forest fire in Treuenbrietzen
In June 2022, large parts of the former Treuenbrietzen municipal forest, including PYROPHOB research areas, fell victim to the flames.
The forest fire in early summer 2022 was bitter not only from a social, but also from a scientific point of view, as the areas already showed an extremely interesting ecological development:
A dense growth of pioneer tree species, especially aspen, had established itself.
The ground was already covered by a layer of moss and herbaceous plants.
The first advantages of the microclimatic buffering of the new structures on the site became apparent.
Under deadwood on the ground, the effect of a decreasing drying potential was already evident.
Less flammable deciduous trees began to develop, which in principle initiated the development of a later less flammable forest.
A detailed assessment from a scientific perspective can be found here.
Geänderte Forschungskulisse in Treuenbrietzen
The research setting had to be changed due to the second fire: Of the former municipal forest areas, only B and K were still part of the project in 2023; from 2024, only the areas of the Bardenitz-Pechüle private forest cooperative will be studied in Treuenbrietzen. A new reference area L was also designated.
The poplars sprout again in July 2022. (Foto: Jeanette Blumröder)
In October, the burnt area became even greener. (Foto © Dr. Tilo Geisel 2022)
The trembling poplars are growing rapidly. (Foto © Dr. Tilo Geisel 2022)
Ferns are also sprouting again. (Foto © Dr. Tilo Geisel 2022)
On the left, the now burnt former reference area G. (Foto © Dr. Tilo Geisel 2022)