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Germany wildfires rage out of control in Saxony and Thuringia

Devastating wildfires rage out of control in eastern Germany, forcing mass evacuations and injuring firefighters as 1,000 personnel battle blazes

Germany wildfires rage out of control in Saxony and Thuringia
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Out of control is the situation in Eastern Germany, where wildfires have reached catastrophic proportions, putting local authorities on high alert. Already more than 100 residents have been forced to abandon their homes, while at least two firefighters have been injured during firefighting operations.

Approximately 1,000 firefighters are operating on two main fronts: in the Göhrischheide area, between Brandenburg and Saxony, and in Saalfelder Höhe, in Thuringia. While initial estimates suggest approximately 2,000 hectares of burned land in Göhrischheide, forces on the ground warn that the actual extent of the wildfire could be up to five times larger.

Read: Fire in Ierapetra without active hotspot – Resembles “war zone”, first assessment of destruction begins

Germany: Wildfires rage out of control in Saxony and Thuringia – See images of destruction

Particularly concerning is the fact that the wildfires are raging in former military zones, where ammunition remnants likely exist, making operations extremely dangerous and difficult. Changing weather conditions further worsen the situation, hampering efforts to contain the blazes.

Several communities in Germany have been placed under emergency status, including the city of Gröditz, while approximately 100 residents were forced to evacuate their homes in the Heidehäuser area in Saxony. Authorities have advised those living near the fire fronts to keep windows and doors closed and be ready to leave as soon as evacuation orders are issued.

Risk of further forest fires over the weekend

The wildfire in Saxony broke out on Tuesday (1/7) near a military training ground from an unknown cause. The situation is particularly dangerous because the fire continues to ignite ammunition lying on the ground. Police helicopters have been used for firefighting, but military helicopters have also been requested. The local forester in Thuringia stated that the wildfire in the Saalfelder Höhe forest is the largest in the state since 1993, according to Tagesschau. The German Weather Service (DWD) warned of risk of further forest fires over the weekend in southern and eastern Germany, with the situation expected to normalize on Monday as rainfall is anticipated.

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