Authorities are urging residents to avoid open flames and other fire hazards as hot, dry weather pushes parts of Rhineland-Pfalz to a Level 4 wildfire warning. (Matt Hall/U.S. Navy)

Kaiserslautern police are warning of an elevated wildfire risk across the western Pfalz region because of ongoing dry conditions and high summer temperatures.

The German Weather Service has placed parts of Rhineland-Pfalz under a Level 4 wildfire warning on its five-level danger scale.

Police are urging residents to avoid using open flames in or near forests, fields and meadows. They also warned against discarding cigarettes or matches and advised drivers not to park on dry grass, as hot vehicle parts can ignite a fire.

Anyone who sees smoke or a fire should immediately call Germany’s emergency number, 112, police said.