Rhineland-Palatinate: Forest fire in Westerwald prompts partial evacuation

A section of the municipality of Gebhardshain in the Altenkirchen district of Rhineland-Palatinate has been evacuated due to a forest fire. Residents from a part of Im Eckewieschen street were instructed to leave their homes immediately as the fire advanced to within approximately 20 meters of the first houses.

Firefighters are concentrating their efforts on protecting the adjacent Westerwaldschule (Westerwald School) and surrounding buildings. The evacuation order affects 20 families, though no further evacuations were planned as of the evening. The fire has reportedly spread to more than one hectare, significantly larger than the initial estimate of 6000 square meters.

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The fire has spread to within approximately 20 meters of the first houses.

Around 250 firefighters are engaged in combating the blaze. They are being supported by local farmers who are providing water using tanks, and a water container for helicopters has been filled to aid in aerial firefighting efforts. The public has been urged to avoid the area around the incident and keep access routes clear for emergency services.

Residents forced to evacuate their homes have found temporary shelter at the local primary school and the community forum. Classes at the Westerwaldschule have been canceled.

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The fire crews are focusing on protecting the adjacent Westerwald School and the surrounding buildings.