Major Forest Fire in Germany's Eifel Region Forces Mass Evacuations
A large forest fire in Hürtgenwald, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, has burned up to 300 hectares, forcing the evacuation of 1,800 residents from the Gey district. The fire came within 10-200 meters of homes due to a wind shift. Over 200 emergency personnel, Bundeswehr helicopters, and an armored vehicle are battling the blaze, complicated by WWII munitions in the ground. Nearby districts in Rhineland-Palatinate are on alert. The fire is considered the largest in NRW history, amid a European heatwave and drought.
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Forest Fire in Eifel Region Out of Control; Evacuations Threatened in Rhineland-Palatinate
A large forest fire near Hürtgenwald in the Eifel region, straddling North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate, remains out of control as of August 14, 2026. The fire, described by NRW Agriculture Minister Silke Gorißen as the largest in the state's history, has burned approximately 25 hectares (about 35 football fields). Firefighters are using backfires to prevent the flames from reaching the evacuated district of Gey, where the fire was reportedly only 10-200 meters from houses. In the Mayen-Koblenz district of Rhineland-Palatinate, residents of Langenfeld and Arft (combined population ~900) have been asked to prepare for possible evacuation, taking only essentials for 2-3 days. The article also reports on other wildfires in England (Stourbridge, where several houses were destroyed) and Spain (where royal remains were moved from a monastery), as well as a smaller fire in Lower Saxony.
Forest Fire Threatens Hürtgenwald Village; 1,800 Evacuated, Bundeswehr Helicopters Deployed
A large forest fire in the Hürtgenwald region of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, has forced the evacuation of 1,800 residents from the Gey district. The fire, which has burned approximately 25 hectares (35 football fields), came within 10 meters of the village after a wind shift. Around 200 emergency personnel, including five helicopters from multiple federal states and two Bundeswehr NH-90 transport helicopters equipped with Bambi Buckets, are fighting the blaze. District Administrator Ralf Nolten stated that no people are currently in danger, but the next few hours are critical due to expected thermal updrafts. The cause of the fire is unknown. Authorities have warned residents in several Düren districts to seek enclosed spaces due to smoke fallout, and have urged the public to avoid forests due to acute dryness and fire risk.
Forest fires in Germany: Flames in the Eifel region spread, nearly 2,000 evacuated
A major forest fire in the Hürtgenwald area of the Eifel region in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, has spread rapidly, burning 300 hectares (about 420 football fields) as of August 14, 2026. Nearly 2,000 residents of the Gey district were evacuated overnight as the fire advanced to within 200 meters of homes. The fire is out of control, with wind shifts driving the flames closer. Firefighting efforts are hampered by World War II ammunition in the ground, causing occasional explosions. Police and Bundeswehr helicopters are assisting. Other fires are burning near Soest and Plauen in Germany amid a persistent heatwave with temperatures up to 39°C. Large parts of Europe are also experiencing severe wildfires. No rainfall is expected until mid-next week.
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Forest Fires in Germany: Flames Spread in Eifel Region, Thousands Evacuated
A major forest fire in the Hürtgenwald area of the Eifel region in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, has spread rapidly, burning 300 hectares (about 420 football fields) as of August 14, 2026. Nearly 2,000 residents of the Gey district were evacuated overnight as the wind shifted, bringing flames within 200 meters of homes. The fire is described as out of control, with emergency services, police, and Bundeswehr helicopters battling the blaze. WWII ammunition in the ground has complicated ground firefighting efforts. The district of Großhau is also threatened. Simultaneously, other fires are burning near Soest (NRW) and Plauen (Saxony), amid a persistent heatwave with temperatures exceeding 30°C and reaching up to 39°C. Large parts of Europe are also experiencing severe drought and wildfires.
Forest Fire in Eifel Forces Evacuation of 1,800, Bundeswehr Tank Deployed
A large forest fire in the Eifel region of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, has forced the evacuation of approximately 1,800 residents from the Gey district of Hürtgenwald. The fire, which has been burning since Thursday afternoon across 25 hectares, moved dangerously close to the town overnight due to a wind shift, prompting the evacuation order shortly before 4 a.m. on Friday. Around 200 emergency personnel, supported by a helicopter and a Bundeswehr armored engineer vehicle clearing forest paths, are battling the flames. The Düren district crisis management team has been convened to assess the situation. Authorities have closed the B399 road and advised people to avoid the areas of Kleinhau, Gey, and the L25 road. The neighboring district of Großhau is also threatened but has not yet been evacuated.
Wildfire 200 Meters from Town in Eifel Region Forces Evacuation of 1800, Bundeswehr Tank Deployed
A large forest fire in the municipality of Hürtgenwald, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, has forced the evacuation of approximately 1,800 residents from the Gey district. The fire, which has been burning since Thursday afternoon, covers about 25 hectares (roughly 35 football fields). By morning, the flames were only 200 meters from the town, prompting an evacuation order shortly before 4 a.m. due to a wind shift. Around 200 emergency personnel, supported by a helicopter and a Bundeswehr armored engineer vehicle, are fighting the blaze. The tank is clearing forest paths for firefighters. The crisis management team of the district of Düren has been convened. Authorities have closed the B399 road and advised people to avoid the areas of Kleinhau, Gey, and the L25. The nearby district of Großhau is also threatened but has not yet been evacuated. The municipality has urged evacuees to take only essential items, including identification and medication.