Wildfires trigger evacuations in eastern Germany
Briefly

Emergency services are currently battling wildfires in eastern Germany, particularly affecting Saxony and Brandenburg. A disaster alert was issued for communities near the Gohrischheide forest, leading to the evacuation of villages including Zeithain, Wülknitz, and Gröditz. Reports on the extent of the flames vary significantly, with estimates ranging from 200 to 1,000 hectares affected. Two firefighters were injured, and over 500 emergency personnel are actively responding to the situation. Areas of concern also include potential detonations from leftover ammunition in the region.
Emergency services have been battling forest fires in eastern Germany, with notable incidents in Saxony and Brandenburg, leading to village evacuations and firefighter injuries. A disaster alert was issued for wildfires in the Gohrischheide forest, affecting communities such as Zeithain, Wülknitz, and Gröditz. Reports indicated varying extents of the fire's reach, with estimates between 200 to 1,000 hectares burned. Over 500 emergency personnel have been activated across both states, and the situation was exacerbated by the potential risks posed by ammunition left from military activities.
The fire in the Gohrischheide region sparked on Tuesday, and efforts to control the flames have extended through Wednesday. Authorities indicate that the dangers are heightened not only by the wildfire itself but also by the presence of explosives from a defunct military training site, complicating the firefighting efforts. Evacuations in the region included not only local residents but also individuals in a facility for persons with disabilities, showcasing the scale of the emergency response required.
Read at The Local Germany
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