Widespread field fires surge across southwestern Germany amid dry conditions

During the weekend of 11‑13 July 2026, dozens of hectares of fields, meadows and agricultural grassland ignited across southwestern Germany as prolonged drought and high temperatures kept fire‑danger indices elevated. In Stutensee, a senior‑care residence was evacuated while 27 residents were moved to safety. Similar evacuations were ordered near a senior‑care centre in Friedrichstal. Fires in Krefeld, Geeste, Überlingen, the Hunsrück area (K111), and near Friolzheim were tackled by combined forces of professional and volunteer fire brigades, often with support from local farmers, water tankers and drones. The incidents were caused by a mixture of unknown ignition sources, equipment failures such as a ballen‑press, and accidental grill sparks. Across the region, fire‑danger and grass‑fire indices remained high, prompting authorities to warn of ongoing risk. No injuries were reported in any of the incidents, and most fires were brought under control within a few hours.