Devastating forest fire in Gohrischheide: 130 firefighters in action!

Devastating forest fire in Gohrischheide: 130 firefighters in action!

in the Gohrischheide, an area on the border of Saxony and Brandenburg, a forest fire spreads out that should not be underestimated in its dangerousness. On July 2, 2025, around 130 emergency services were on site to curb the fire that spreads towards the center of Gohrischheide. According to Radio Leipzig , a stop position was first skipped, which further tightened the situation. Although the fire could initially be contained on Wednesday night, the extent of the destruction remains unclear and the fire brigade warns of a longer use, since the conditions due to the site, which is composed of a former military training area, are particularly difficult.

The fire has already recorded an area of ​​more than 50 hectares. The risk of detonating ammunition that can be found in the area is particularly worrying. Fire brigade and those responsible expect to need plans to effectively cope with the situation. Security measures were taken to keep the residents of the municipality of Zeithain, windows and doors closed and to eliminate ventilation and air conditioning systems, since a large cloud of smoke between Zeithain and Mühlberg/Elbe is visible and detonations are clearly audible. An alarm was triggered in Brandenburg, and planning caution was used to create firebreaks while armored fire engines are requested from the Czech Republic.

a story of repeated fires

The Gohrischheide is not new in the headlines of forest fires. In June 2022, the largest forest fire in Saxony has taken place here for 30 years, which was caused by arson. This fire left massive damage and converted around 850 hectares into a devastated country, including about 300 hectares on the Brandenburg side, such as RBB24 reported. The damage caused by the fire was estimated at several million euros, which underlines the need to reforest quickly.

in Bad Liebenwerda have already been reforested or planned 40 out of 70 hectares. Michael Marth, a forest owner and board member of the Mühlberg agricultural cooperative, is one of the affected people, whose over 4 hectares of forest area has suffered significant destruction. Instead of the former pine stock of 98%, a mixed forest with oaks and other deciduous trees is now being built up. This extensive reforestation is supported by funding from the country, which cover up to 70% of the costs. Nevertheless, some forest owners who have not yet acted actively into the afforestation are a risk - the dead wood on these areas represents a potential fire load.

The forest fire season 2024 has so far been relatively light, only a few small areas were affected. However, support from funding expires this year and an extension is required to secure the effort for the care of the young forests, since regular measures are necessary to remove grasses and herbs.

The current fire in Gohrischheide illustrates the recurring challenges with which the region is faced. The past experiences suggest that this case is also only one of many episodes in a worrying story that contains both threats and opportunities for the forest.