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Blaze Rages Near Berlin Amid Munitions Danger
4 May
Summary
- Firefighters can't fight blazes due to dangerous old munitions.
- A nature reserve near Jüterbog is burning, affecting 113 hectares.
- Dry soil and early spring conditions contribute to widespread fires.
Firefighters in Germany are observing a rapidly spreading wildfire near Jüterbog, south of Berlin. The blaze is concentrated in a former military training area, now a nature reserve, which is contaminated with dangerous old munitions. This contamination prevents direct firefighting efforts, leading authorities to monitor the situation as the fire consumes an estimated 113 hectares.
Emergency officials expect the winds to further advance the flames before containment is possible. The fire initially started on Friday, affecting a smaller area, but has since grown significantly. Residents in surrounding villages are not currently at risk, according to emergency workers.
Forestry scientists have noted the unusual timing of this large forest fire early in the year. Meteorologists and forestry experts have been warning of an increased risk of early forest fires across Germany due to exceptionally dry soil conditions resulting from insufficient rainfall in the first half of the year. Similar fires were reported across several German states and on the Czech-German border over the weekend.
