Danger Announcement: Towns Forced to Flee Due to Forest Inferno - Urgent announcement: Villages evacuated as a result of rampant forest blazes
The forest fire in the Gohrischheide region, situated on the border between the German states of Saxony and Brandenburg, remains **not under control as of July 3, 2025**. The fire has expanded over several hundred hectares, with more than 200 hectares of forest currently affected, mostly on the Saxony side[1].
The fire is spreading primarily **northward**. The firefighting efforts are concentrated around the village of **Nieska**, which is part of the town of Gröditz, located directly at the state border[1]. In Saxony, the nearby **Heidehaeuser neighborhood** has been evacuated due to the increasing threat from the fire[2]. A care home for disabled individuals was also evacuated as a precaution[2].
The affected forest area has grown sharply, increasing approximately tenfold since Tuesday, reaching roughly **600 hectares** according to recent estimates by local officials[2]. The terrain is challenging due to the former military use of the area, where leftover munitions may pose risks of detonation, complicating firefighting efforts[1].
Over **480 emergency personnel** from both Saxony and Brandenburg are involved in fighting the fire[1]. The fire situation for Brandenburg has improved slightly because the wind shifted towards Saxony, reducing the risk of northward spread and allowing firefighters in Brandenburg to focus on containment and securing the area[1].
Authorities are considering the deployment of helicopters from federal or state police to gain an aerial overview and assist in combating the fire more effectively[1]. Currently, a reconnaissance helicopter from the state police is currently exploring the fire area in the Gohrischheide region[2].
In addition, three municipalities - Zeithain, Wülknitz, and Gröditz - have issued emergency alerts. As a result, the 269 registered residents of Neudorf, a district of Zeithain, have been advised to evacuate their homes[2]. Previously, the Wülknitz district with around 100 residents had been evacuated[2].
The smoke from the forest fire has reached the Elbe valley in the 60-kilometer-away city of Dresden. Authorities in Dresden recommend keeping windows closed due to the smoke[2]. Furthermore, parts of the Saxon Switzerland-Osterzgebirge region are also affected, leading to a significant increase in smoke and odor pollution[2].
In response to the emergency, the multi-purpose hall in Röderau has been made available for evacuated residents to stay in[2]. Minister President Michael Kretschmer (CDU) is planning to visit the fire area in the afternoon[2].
From a Brandenburg perspective, the situation has improved significantly: the wind has shifted towards Saxony, allowing for some relief as the smoke is clearing and the fire cannot spread further north[1]. Current efforts are focused on securing the fire area in Brandenburg[1].
[1] - Brandenburgische Zeitung [2] - Sächsische Zeitung [3] - MDR [4] - RBB
The smoke from the Gohrischheide forest fire has spread as far as Dresden, and authorities have advised residents to keep their windows closed.
With the increased fire size, the Commission has recognized the need for more comprehensive protection measures, considering the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation in environmental-science, such as those potentially present in the former military area.
