Police suspect arson in Harz National Park fire

Police are investigating a suspected case of arson following a fire on the Brocken plateau near Schierke in the Harz National Park. The incident occurred on November 7, 2026, at approximately 11:45 a.m. near the Brockengarten, a botanical facility dedicated to high-mountain plant species.

The fire affected approximately 50 square meters of low-growing heath vegetation. Firefighters responded to the smoldering fire and successfully extinguished it, preventing the flames from spreading further across the ecologically sensitive area. No injuries were reported. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire, noting that current findings suggest intentional ignition.