Iserlohn forest fire threatens high‑voltage power lines

A forest fire broke out on the afternoon of 14 July 2026 in a mixed‑forest area near Iserlohn in the Sauerland. The blaze, whose cause is still unknown, quickly spread to an estimated 10 000 m² and reached a nearby high‑voltage transmission line that remained live while the flames licked the pylons. More than 200 firefighters were deployed, using tank‑type pumpers, hand‑held hoses and a police helicopter equipped with a water bucket, although the helicopter’s drop proved ineffective. The fire created a large smoke plume visible well beyond the town, prompting the Iserlohn fire service to issue a warning for residents of neighboring Hohenlimburg to keep windows and doors shut and to switch off ventilation systems.

During the operation, firefighters rescued over ten line‑workers who were on the energized pylons, bringing them to safety without injuries. Drones and ground crews monitored the fire, which had several active hotspots of about 800 m² after the main front was contained. The incident was declared under control by the evening, but officials warned that firefighting would likely continue through the night.

The fire service urged the public to avoid unnecessary calls to emergency numbers and to stay alert for further smoke, while investigations into the ignition source are ongoing.