Fire Spreads in Western Germany, Around 2,000 Residents Evacuated

Around 2,000 residents were forced to leave the Hürtgenwald area in the Eifel region of western Germany after the fire approached the village of Gey. The flames were fanned by winds that constantly changed direction.

During the evacuation, residents were instructed to take only essential items with them, particularly documents and medication.

Police helicopters also took part in the firefighting operation, transporting water to the forested area. Military equipment was also deployed to assist firefighters.

Silke Gorißen, Agriculture Minister of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), said this could be the largest fire ever recorded in the state’s history.

During a visit to the forces involved in the firefighting operation, Gorißen said: “We are dealing with a scale that we have not faced in decades.”

According to her, the flames are estimated to have affected at least 200 hectares, while the area involved could reach up to 300 hectares.

By comparison, Federal Ministry of Agriculture statistics on forest fires show that around 52 hectares of forest burned in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia throughout 2025.

NRW Environment Minister Oliver Krischer described the scale of the fire as “shocking.” The Green Party politician said: “This shows that the consequences of climate change are hitting us with their full force.”

Hürtgenwald is located near the borders with Belgium and the Netherlands. According to official reports, the fire affected around 300 hectares./ DW