Fire department confirms safety at Gohrischheide - Alert issued by the fire department concerning Gohri wedding celebrations
The large forest fire in Gohrischheide, situated on the border of Saxony and Brandenburg, has been burning since early July 2025, affecting approximately 2,100 to 2,400 hectares of forest, making it the largest forest fire in Saxony in over three decades.
The fire, which started around July 1-3, 2025, has been a significant challenge for emergency services due to its scale, hazardous location, and weather conditions. The area is a former military training ground, contaminated with unexploded ammunition, which has severely restricted the ability of firefighters to approach and directly combat the flames, requiring a safety distance of 1,000 meters.
Authorities have evacuated several villages nearby, including Heidehäuser, Neudorf, and parts of Lichtensee, for residents' safety, as the fire and resulting smoke posed serious hazards. Two firefighters have also suffered serious injuries while battling the blaze. The cause of the fire is still under investigation by local police investigators, but no conclusive determination of its origin has been made.
Efforts to contain the fire have been hampered by a heat wave with temperatures approaching 40°C and beyond, along with occasional gusty winds that threaten to spread the flames further. Authorities are hoping for rainfall to aid firefighting, though light showers so far have had limited effect.
Despite the challenges, extensive cleanup operations are now underway in Gohrischheide. The fire department in Zeithain, along with numerous other emergency services, have been involved in the efforts. According to Raiko Riedel, deputy community fire chief of Zeithain, several kilometers of hose lines have been laid for the cleanup operations.
The all-clear was issued after heavy rainfall in Gohrischheide, though the fire has not been officially declared "fire out." Experience shows that the dismantling of equipment and cleanup operations take longer than their deployment in Gohrischheide. The fire department in Zeithain issued an all-clear for the Gohrischheide fire on Saturday and Sunday.
This fire remains a significant and ongoing challenge for emergency services due to its scale, hazardous location, and weather conditions. The fire in Gohrischheide, which started near an area contaminated with ammunition, has been classified as the largest forest fire in Saxony in recent decades.
Scientists and health-and-wellness professionals are expressing concerns over the impact of the ongoing forest fire in Gohrischheide, as smoke from the blaze could potentially affect local communities' air quality. The environmentally-focused community is also calling for stricter policies to address climate change and fire safety, given the increasing frequency of large-scale forest fires.
In light of the ongoing fire and the potential risks to public health, officials are urging residents to stay informed on updates regarding the fire situation and air quality. They are also encouraging individuals to practice good health-and-wellness habits, such as keeping windows closed and avoiding outdoor exercise when smoke levels are high.
