Wildfires in eastern Germany have caused significant injuries and disruptions, with two firefighters suffering serious burns and over 100 residents being evacuated from affected areas. The fires, which erupted on Tuesday in Gohrischheide near the border between the eastern states of Saxony and Brandenburg, have led to urgent response measures as local authorities try to manage the crisis.

Approximately 500 firefighters have been deployed to combat the devastating blazes that have already consumed hundreds of hectares of land. Despite their efforts, as of Thursday, the wildfires remain largely uncontrolled. The situation has prompted the use of a state police helicopter, which is equipped with specialized cameras to identify smoldering embers and hot spots, according to reports from German news agency dpa.

Firefighting efforts are complicated by the location of some of the flames, which are situated in a former military training ground. This area poses a heightened risk due to the potential presence of unexploded ordnance that could detonate amid firefighting operations. As a result, access to the flames has been severely restricted, hampering reactivity and control efforts.

In response to the wildfires, local authorities have initiated evacuations in the villages of Heidehäuser, Neudorf, and parts of Lichtensee. Residents were instructed via mobile phone alerts to evacuate quickly, taking only essential items such as identification and cash. The notifications also advised individuals to inform their neighbors and utilize improvised respiratory protection, such as cloths or masks, to mitigate inhalation risks from smoke.

District officials have urged motorists to steer clear of the region to facilitate the ongoing firefighting operation and ensure community safety. The situation in eastern Germany is exacerbated by extreme heat across the country and much of Europe, contributing to the increasing incidence of wildfires throughout the continent.

This combination of dangerous weather conditions and the challenges posed by the terrain has made the fight against the wildfires particularly difficult. As firefighters continue their battle against the flames, the community remains on high alert, aware of the potential threat posed by the wildfires to both lives and property.