More than 400 personnel are battling a 360-hectare forest fire in the Müritz-Nationalpark, according to local officials. The blaze, which began Monday near the Käflingsberg observation tower, remains active despite a slowing rate of spread. Due to unexploded ordnance from the World War II and GDR eras, responders are restricted to indirect firefighting methods, utilizing water-filled perimeter lines and Bundeswehr helicopters.
Munition Hazards Prevent Direct Containment
Firefighting efforts are significantly constrained by the presence of historical munitions, including large anti-tank mines buried within the former military training grounds. Landrat Thomas Müller (CDU) noted that the fire would likely have been extinguished already if crews could access the site directly. Instead, responders must maintain a 1,000-meter safety perimeter, as frequent explosions have been reported within the burning zone.
Deployment of Perimeter Irrigation and Aerial Support
To contain the fire, crews have established a comprehensive network of “Kreisregner” (circular sprinklers) that effectively encircle the affected area. According to the incident command, these systems are operating at full capacity to keep the forest floor damp, which has successfully reduced the fire’s expansion rate. Two Bundeswehr CH-53 transport helicopters are also active, dropping water over threatened zones. While these aircraft are prohibited from flying directly over the active fire due to the explosion risk, they have provided essential support and are scheduled to continue operations on Saturday.
Did You Know? The affected area within the Müritz-Nationalpark was utilized as a military training site in the past and successfully transitioned back to forest over a 30-year period before this fire occurred.
Operational Logistics and Regional Impact
The firefighting mission involves volunteers and specialized units from several German states, including Bavaria, Brandenburg, and Saxony. The THW (Technisches Hilfswerk) is managing the water pump infrastructure, while teams from the Adelsdorf fire department are operating 60 high-capacity sprinklers. To facilitate aerial water collection, authorities have closed the Pagelsee, Dambecker See, Granziner See, Käbelicksee, and Priesterbäker See to public access. The village of Granzin remains evacuated, with its approximately 100 residents currently housed in a facility in Peckatel.
Environmental Outlook and Community Solidarity
Ulf Zimmermann, head of the Müritz-Nationalpark, expressed optimism regarding the long-term ecological recovery of the site, noting that nature has previously demonstrated resilience in this region. While the immediate aftermath will leave a landscape devoid of food sources for local wildlife, Zimmermann stated that mobile species typically retreat from the fire zone in time. Local residents have supported the effort by providing food and supplies to the command center, while the German Red Cross has distributed thousands of meals to the personnel on-site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t the fire be extinguished directly?
The area is a former military training ground containing unexploded munitions from World War II and the GDR, including anti-tank mines. A 1,000-meter safety zone prevents responders from entering the area.
Are there any immediate threats to the public?
The village of Granzin is evacuated, and several lakes are closed to boating. The Landkreis Mecklenburgische Seenplatte has established a citizen hotline at (0395) 57087-8230, -8070, and -8190 for residents.
Is the fire still spreading?
The spread has slowed significantly due to the perimeter irrigation lines. As of Friday, incident command reported that the “defense lines” are holding and the fire is not expanding further.
What long-term ecological changes do you anticipate for the park once the fire is fully contained?
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