Germany is facing a serious wildfire crisis, with several eastern regions declaring a state of emergency as flames sweep through forests, endanger protected habitats, and even set off explosions from buried munitions.
According to the German press agency DPA, hundreds of firefighters have been mobilized to tackle this escalating situation.
Unexploded Ordnance Complicates Efforts in Saxony-Brandenburg Border Zone
One of the largest and most perilous fires is raging in the Gohrischheide area, right on the border of Saxony and Brandenburg. This fire, which ignited on Tuesday at a former military training site, is being fueled by strong winds and the presence of unexploded ordnance. Firefighters estimate that the blaze has already consumed around 1,000 hectares, although the exact extent is still uncertain.
Because of the risk of detonations from munitions buried underground, firefighters can’t directly attack the flames and must keep a safe distance of at least 1,000 meters. The operation is incredibly risky, and the number of personnel involved has surged to about 500.
The fire also poses a threat to Gohrischheide’s delicate ecosystem, which is home to rare plant and animal species. Utz Hempfling, the head of the Saxon Forestry Authority, pointed out that this area is the fourth-largest nature reserve in Saxony. Emergency declarations have been made for the districts of Zeithain and Wülknitz, as well as the town of Gröditz.
Fires Spread Across Other Parts of Germany
Wildfires are also spreading in other regions of the country. In southern Thuringia, flames have ravaged the Saalfelder Höhe area, leading to yet another emergency declaration. Authorities are calling this the most severe forest fire in Thuringia since 1993.
High winds and shifting directions have made firefighting efforts more difficult and raised the risk of reignition. More than 420 firefighters and rescue workers are currently active in the area.
Fires have also been reported across other parts of eastern Germany. Near the town of Jüterbog in Brandenburg, firefighters managed to bring a blaze under control after it burned through 165 hectares of forest.
In Bavaria, wildfires have erupted as well. The largest fire so far located in the Upper Palatinate region has scorched an area of approximately 14,000 square meters (1.4 hectares), according to local authorities.
Authorities and experts attribute the frequency and intensity of these fires to climate change, urging for stronger prevention measures and faster response systems as summer heatwaves become more extreme and frequent across Europe.
