A major forest fire has broken out at Brocken, with the fire brigade and Bundeswehr working tirelessly to extinguish the flames using firefighting planes and helicopters. The operation is expected to continue for several days, with protective strips and water transport paths being established.
The risk of hotspots remains a concern, and a state of emergency has been declared. The situation is proving more difficult than a similar fire two years ago, exacerbated by strong winds.
500 people have been evacuated from Brocken, and further fires have been reported in Saxony-Anhalt. In a nationwide first, a fire-retardant agent is being used to enhance the effectiveness of the water used in firefighting.
The fire is currently not spreading further, but there are concerns about potential new fires caused by smoldering embers. The challenging terrain and abundance of deadwood in the higher areas of the Harz region contribute to the increased fire risk.
Despite the efforts of 180 firefighters, including four airplanes and two helicopters, the fire is not yet under control. The operation is being coordinated by the Kreisbrandmeister and Dezernenten, with updates available on the Landkreis Harz's Facebook page.
The entire Brocken area is closed to civilians, and all events in the vicinity have been canceled. The situation is being closely monitored, and patrols will continue throughout the night to ensure the fire does not reignite.
