Combating Forest Blaze in Bernau
Wildfire Continues to Rage in Brandenburg's Schönower Heide
A wildfire has been burning in the Schönower Heide area near Bernau, Brandenburg since August 19, 2025. The fire was first reported in the afternoon of the same day, prompting local fire brigades, including those from Schönow and the city, to respond to the incident.
The firefighting efforts have been challenging due to the long distance for water transportation and inaccessible terrain. Daniel Buchta, the incident commander of the volunteer fire department, has stated that the situation is difficult but the team is working diligently to contain the blaze.
Brandenburg's high forest fire risk is due to its extensive pine forests, low rainfall, and sandy soils. In fact, Brandenburg has the highest forest fire risk among the federal states, as reported by the state forestry office. The year 2022 saw an extreme number of forest fires in Brandenburg, with over 500 reported.
The current forest fire risk level in Brandenburg is higher than the average. The fire has spread through the peat soil into the earth, making it more difficult to extinguish. The cause of the fire is still unknown.
Affected residents have been advised to keep their windows closed due to the smoke. The population has been informed and warned about potential respiratory issues through various warning apps.
As of the latest updates in late August 2025, the wildfire has affected an area of approximately 2.5 hectares. The exact current conditions such as containment status or spread extent were not detailed in the available sources. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, monitoring local official channels or emergency services in Bernau and Brandenburg is recommended.
It is worth noting that the forest fire risk level in several counties in the southeast was lower than the current level in Brandenburg. However, the medium hazard level three is now in effect everywhere in Brandenburg.
Despite the challenges, the fire department's control center remains vigilant and continues to coordinate the firefighting efforts to ensure the safety of the community and the protection of the environment. Updates on the situation will be provided as they become available.
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