Smoke Alert Issued as Forest Fire in Saxony Affects Brandenburg and Berlin

Authorities are currently battling a significant forest fire along the border of Saxony and Brandenburg, which has persisted for five days. As firefighting efforts continue, a shift in wind direction is causing smoke to reach as far as Berlin.

The situation remains precarious, although officials from the district office in Meißen report that the overall fire conditions are stable. Approximately 500 firefighters are actively engaged in containment efforts, supported by four firefighting helicopters and two water cannons. Additionally, specialized teams from Saxony-Anhalt have been called in to assist with the vegetation fire.

With the wind now blowing towards Brandenburg, the smoke has begun to affect the capital. Residents in the Brandenburg districts of Elbe-Elster, Dahme-Spree, Oberspreewald-Lausitz, and Teltow-Fläming have received alerts via the Nina warning app regarding increased smoke and odor disturbances.

The Gohrischheide area, situated at the Saxony-Brandenburg border, has seen the fire extend into Brandenburg following its initial outbreak on Tuesday. Local authorities are bracing for potential flare-ups on their side of the border.

On Friday night, emergency services evacuated 45 residents from Jacobsthal Bahnhof in Zeithain, Saxony, due to the encroaching flames. A nearby railway line is also at risk from the advancing fire. Earlier in the week, around 100 individuals, including nursing home residents, were evacuated from the Wülknitz district as fire approached within 300 meters of their facility. Firefighters are working diligently to halt further spread.

While conditions around Neudorf/Lichtensee and the Zeithain barracks remain unchanged, officials describe the situation as challenging. Some smaller fire outbreaks are difficult to access due to the presence of unexploded ordnance in the area.

The northern regions of Saxony, including the Gohrischheide, are experiencing a heightened fire risk, classified as the highest warning level 5. Firefighters and emergency teams are hoping for rain, which is forecasted for Monday and Tuesday, as this could significantly aid in controlling the fire.