Hürtgenwald forest fire investigation

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.

By September 10, 2026, North Rhine-Westphalia Interior Minister Herbert Reul confirmed the Hürtgenwald fire as the largest recorded in the state. While the exact cause remains unknown, authorities have ruled out the possibility that World War II munitions triggered the blaze.

The Aachen Public Prosecutor's Office has initiated an investigation into intentional arson. Investigators are currently awaiting expert reports and the results of cell tower evaluations, noting that the fire likely originated from two different points.

While most regional vegetation fires were managed by local crews, major incidents also occurred in Marsberg and Monschau near the High Fens nature reserve. Regarding the fire in the High Fens on the German-Belgian border, the Belgian Public Prosecutor's Office is investigating suspected negligent arson, though no corresponding investigation is pending in Germany for that specific site.