Müritz Nationalpark forest fire spreads across 360 hectares

A major forest fire has been raging in the Müritz Nationalpark in Mecklenburg‑Vorpommern since early Monday. The blaze, ignited on a former military training ground, has already scorched roughly 360 ha (about 500 football fields). Approximately 400 firefighters, including local fire brigades, the Technisches Hilfswerk and Bundeswehr units, are battling the flames. Because the area contains unexploded World‑War‑II and Cold‑War ammunition, crews cannot approach the fire directly and must keep a safety distance of about 1 km.

To contain the blaze, circular sprinkler systems have been installed around the perimeters, and two Bundeswehr CH‑53 transport helicopters continuously pump water from nearby lakes (Dambecker, Granziner, Käbelick, Priesterbäker) and spray it over the threatened zones. Strong winds have recently accelerated the fire’s spread toward the south and east, prompting the evacuation of the settlement of Granzin. Smoke plumes have reduced visibility locally and prompted air‑quality warnings. The operation remains ongoing, with additional helicopter sorties scheduled for the following days.

Authorities are monitoring the situation closely, awaiting improved weather and hoping for rain to aid containment efforts.