Thuringia forest fires controlled, A9 highway reopens

Two forest fires in the Saale‑Orla district near Gräfenthal, Thuringia, were brought under control after extensive firefighting efforts. More than 200 firefighters, supported by drones, thermal‑imaging cameras and water from distant sources, tackled the blazes that spread rapidly due to strong winds.

One firefighter was lightly injured when a falling branch knocked him unconscious; he recovered shortly thereafter. The A9 motorway, temporarily closed while the fire burned near the road, has now been reopened. The cause of the fires remains undetermined, with authorities not excluding a possible vehicle defect. The larger fire affected roughly nine hectares of woodland, while a smaller blaze near Lichtenhain burned about one hectare.

No fatalities were reported, and the incidents highlight the use of modern equipment in German wildfire response.