A former military training ground containing ammunition is on fire in Germany
A large-scale wildfire is raging in Germany on the site of a former military training ground in the Müritz National Park. The fire has already spread across about 360 hectares, and firefighters are unable to get close to the source of the blaze due to the large amount of old ammunition.
In the federal state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, a major wildfire is raging on the grounds of a former military training area in the Müritz National Park. Hundreds of firefighters have been deployed to extinguish the blaze, but their efforts are significantly hampered by hazardous ground containing remnants of munitions. The fire has already spread to an area of about 360 hectares. Bundeswehr helicopters, among other resources, are being used to fight the fire, providing aerial support to rescue workers. On Thursday, July 17, approximately 400 emergency personnel were deployed to the operation. They are working to prevent the fire from spreading further.
Old shells hinder firefighting
The main problem for firefighters is that the former military training area still contains a large number of explosive objects. According to local officials, various types of ammunition, including large-caliber rounds, may remain in the fire zone.
A former military training ground covering an area of 269 hectares is on fire in the Müritz National Park in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Around 375 emergency responders are attempting to contain the fire from the outside. Due to old ammunition in the ground, firefighters cannot approach the flames directly… pic.twitter.com/TNnaodabDB
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Military debris, including anti-tank grenades, has been found at this training ground in the past. Due to intense heat from the fire, some ammunition has begun to explode. This is precisely why rescue workers cannot approach the areas where the fire is most intense. They are trying to contain the fire from a safe distance using special sprinkler systems and firebreaks.
The situation is currently under control
Till Backhaus, Minister of the Environment for Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, stated that firefighters expect to keep the situation under control. For this reason, authorities have not yet declared a state of emergency in the region. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined. According to preliminary information, it may take several more days to extinguish the fire.
Rescue workers are urging residents and tourists to stay away from the hazardous area. People are asked to temporarily avoid using hiking and biking trails near the site of the fire.
The fire at the former military training ground has once again highlighted the problem with such sites in Germany—even decades after military operations have ended, they can remain dangerous due to unexploded ordnance. This was reported by the German news outlet ZDFheute.
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