Danger! Fire in Großziethen causes harmful odors

Danger! Fire in Großziethen causes harmful odors

In a current warning, the control center in the Dahme-Spreewald district warned the population of significant odor nuisance on June 12, 2025 at 1:50 p.m. The cause is a fire involving around 30 bales of straw in the town of Großziethen. This incident resulted in heavy smoke, which is not only unpleasant but also poses health risks such as headaches, nausea and dizziness. Although the danger was assessed as low, rules of conduct must still be strictly observed. Windows and doors should be closed and ventilation turned off to minimize exposure. The population will be informed immediately of an all-clear as soon as the situation permits.

However, in Brandenburg, as well as in the neighboring districts of Dahme-Spreewald and Teltow-Fläming, such incidents can have far-reaching consequences. Concerns are expressed not only in relation to temporary smoke nuisances, but also in the everyday lives of residents. Many people are annoyed by the odor nuisance from neighbors, for example when smoking or using fire bowls. Neighbors who smoke or use fire pits are often involved in conflicts because the adverse impact on air quality is not negligible.

Neighborhood in view

The problem of smoke nuisance is often addressed by tenants' associations. Neighbors who live in residential complexes must definitely be considerate of one another. It is not uncommon for courts to make decisions on complaints about tobacco smoke, with such conflicts often ending up in court as legal disputes. According to kopf-an.de, tenants have the right to a quiet living atmosphere and can take action against unacceptable harassment. For example, tenants can claim injunctive relief if the harassment becomes unbearable.

The portal also offers valuable tips on how a constructive dialogue can develop between neighbors. It is important to actively listen and show understanding in order to reduce tensions. Oral conversations often help to find solutions. In many cases, however, there are problems with communication and legal action becomes unavoidable. Over 90% of complaints about smoke nuisance often arise in windy conditions, as the website buehne-fuer-menschenrechte.de reports.

Health risks and prevention

Smoke nuisance becomes particularly problematic when it affects groups of people who are at risk for their health, such as children, older people or people with respiratory diseases. It is important to pay attention to both prevention and compliance with legal regulations regarding the use of fire. When using fire bowls, the right choice of wood is crucial, as wet or treated wood leads to excessive smoke. Distances to neighboring properties and buildings should also be taken into account. Open fireplaces usually require a permit and violations can be punished with fines of up to 5,000 euros.

For many affected people, the costs of private odor reports are a high hurdle, and documentation of the nuisance is often crucial for enforcing claims. According to the reports, around ten cases of odor nuisance are discussed in consumer advice every month, a quarter of which end up in court. A good neighborhood is characterized by open communication, mutual consideration and the willingness to negotiate solutions in order to be able to live harmoniously in the community.