Firefighters battle massive forest fire in Hürtgenwald, village evacuated

Firefighters are engaged in an intense, ongoing battle against a massive forest fire raging in the Hürtgenwald, located in the Eifel region of North Rhine-Westphalia. This blaze is considered by state officials to be potentially the largest forest fire in the region's history.

As night fell, ground personnel in critically endangered areas were nearly doubled, with additional fire brigades deployed to bolster efforts. The primary focus remains on protecting the village of Gey, which was evacuated early Friday morning. Approximately 2,000 residents were displaced and are staying with relatives and friends. Military tanks have been deployed to create firebreaks in the vicinity of Gey, aiming to prevent the flames from reaching the settlement.

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Fires can spread extremely quickly and cut off escape routes.

Fire officials anticipate the operation will last for several more days, with current planning extending to Monday. Around 500 emergency personnel from across North Rhine-Westphalia are rotating in shifts every twelve hours. Firefighting helicopters, grounded after dark, are set to resume operations at first light. North Rhine-Westphalia's Minister-President Hendrik Wüst is scheduled to visit the site on Saturday to assess the situation.

The firefighting efforts are complicated by the presence of unexploded ordnance from World War II, a legacy of heavy fighting in the Hürtgenwald in 1944-1945. So far, five people have been injured: one elderly individual experienced heart problems during the evacuation, and four emergency responders sustained minor injuries, including a cut and issues related to circulation. The affected area is estimated to span between 200 to 300 hectares. Authorities have urged the public to avoid entering forests due to the rapid spread of fires and potential for blocked escape routes.

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The fire department is preparing for a multi-day operation.