Hürtgenwald forest fire investigation considers arson

Authorities in North Rhine-Westphalia are investigating a massive forest fire in the Hürtgenwald, which is considered one of the largest in the state's recorded history since 1991. The fire, which broke out on August 13, 2026, destroyed or severely damaged between 300 and 400 hectares of forest.

Investigators from the Düren police are not ruling out arson as the cause. The investigation is focusing on two separate fires that occurred on the same day: one near the Wehebachtalsperre in the morning, and another in the afternoon between the districts of Großhau and Gey. Due to the temporal and spatial proximity of these incidents, as well as the location of the suspected ignition points away from paths, officials are examining a possible connection.

Specialized fire experts have been brought in to assist, though the vastness of the forest makes tracing evidence difficult. So far, police have received 220 tips through a dedicated online portal.