Germany fire services respond to forest and underground coal fires

Emergency services are responding to separate fire incidents in Germany. In Plauen, a significant forest and meadow fire has broken out in the Voigtsgrüner Wald near Elsterpark. Approximately 100 personnel, including the Plauen professional fire department and several volunteer units, are on site. Due to difficult terrain and wind, crews are using hoses to contain the flames and employing drones for reconnaissance. A warning has been issued for residents to keep windows and doors closed due to smoke development.

In Meuselwitz, Thuringia, an unusual underground coal fire is affecting an area of approximately 8 hectares at a former open-cast mining site. What began as a vegetation fire has evolved into a long-term incident where coal dust and ash continue to smolder deep underground. The situation is complicated by the risk of ground collapse due to cavities and embers. Over 30 fire departments from Thuringia and Saxony are involved in efforts to prevent further spread.