Waldbrand disaster in Gohrischheide: evacuations and disaster alarm!

Waldbrand disaster in Gohrischheide: evacuations and disaster alarm!

in the Gohrischheide, on the border between Saxony and Brandenburg, rages a devastating forest fire that has already captured an area of ​​around 200 hectares. Today, July 3, 2025, several municipalities, including Zeithain, Wüldknitz and Gröditz, were willing to alert after disaster alarm was triggered immediately. Evangelical in the village of Neudorf, where evacuations were arranged, the fire brigade fights against the flames, which spectacularly spread out in the north direction, as https://www.zeit.de/sgesellschaft/2025-07/sachsen-brandenburg-waldbrand-blischheide) reports.

In the middle of this dramatic situation, 480 emergency services have already been mobilized, including firefighters from the affected federal states of Saxony and Brandenburg, the technical relief organization (THW) and emergency services. The fire has been active for several days, and the view is severely impaired due to the dense smoke development. Two firefighters suffered serious injuries, which underlines the danger of the situation. "The fire even exceeded the border with Brandenburg," adds [picture.

evacuations and dangers

The threatening spread of the fire forces to evacuate in the places Heidehäuser and parts of Lichtenensee. Police helicopters are on duty to monitor the situation from the air and identify embers that repeatedly open up. The region is also severely affected by the smoke development, which not only leads to a hazard cloud, but can also be felt in the wider area to Dresden.

The earth's surface and the terrain are particularly difficult in the Gohrischheide because parts of the area are contaminated with old ammunition. Despite the rain in the morning, which gave some hope for support, this weather did not bring any noticeable relief for the extinguishing work.

forest fire statistics and developments

In 2023, 1,059 forest fires took place in Germany, a significant support compared to the previous year. If you consider the multi -year fund from 1993 to 2022, the number of fires is an average of 1,075. The forest area affected by fires is estimated at 1,240 hectares, which is above the long -term average of 710 hectares. Federal Environment Agency also documents that Brandenburg with 251 forest fires had most registered incidents and the largest fire area of ​​765.2 hectares was able to show.

forest fires not only endanger nature, but also human health. The emissions that are released by the fires contain dangerous substances such as fine dust and greenhouse gases. With a forecast increase in the risk of forest fire due to higher temperatures and fewer precipitation, we may miss our important goal of the forest and environmental protection.