(de-news.net) – Firefighting units were engaged on Tuesday in combating multiple forest fires both in the land of Brandenburg and in the Harz region. In Brandenburg alone, seven distinct fires had been reported. The most extensive of the fires is located in the Elbe-Elster district of southern Brandenburg, where a subdivision of the municipality of Sonnewalde was temporarily evacuated.

Two of the larger forest fires have been brought under control. In the Elbe-Elster district, the village that had been evacuated has been cleared for reentry. The 52 residents temporarily brought to safety were able to return to their homes later on Tuesday evening. Likewise, the situation in the Potsdam-Mittelmark district has stabilized, according to official reports. In the Harz region, post-extinguishment operations are ongoing. Among the measures taken to combat the fire near the small town of Thale was the deployment of a firefighting aircraft. Significant smoke development occurred in the Bodetal valley.

A series of new wildfires broke out on Wednesday across parts of eastern Germany, prompting extensive emergency responses. Fire officials in Brandenburg reported active fires in the Spree-Neiße and Oberspreewald-Lausitz districts, where blazes are currently affecting approximately four hectares of forested land. More than 30 firefighting vehicles have been deployed to the affected zones. Meanwhile, in the neighbouring federal state of Saxony, a significant forest fire has ignited in the Gohrischheide nature reserve, located within the Meißen district.

The German Meteorological Service continues to assess the risk of forest fires as high to very high across large parts of Germany. Experts anticipate that the wildfire risk will ease markedly on Thursday, as widespread rainfall is forecast to move into the region—potentially offering much-needed relief to emergency responders and residents alike.

In light of the current heatwave, the German Medical Association has called upon policymakers to develop binding strategies for heat protection, clearly delineated responsibilities as well as targeted support measures for particularly vulnerable populations, including individuals with disabilities and chronic illnesses, the elderly, pregnant women, children, and persons without access to adequately cooled environments.

Meanwhile, the Federal Chamber of Veterinarians has issued an urgent advisory, calling upon pet owners across the country to exercise heightened vigilance in safeguarding the health of their animals during the ongoing heatwave. In a statement, Chamber President Dr. Holger Vogel cautioned that many companion animals suffer a considerable danger of heat-related health issues owing to the excessive summer temperatures. The Chamber emphasizes that pet owners must act without delay should their animals exhibit early symptoms of heat-induced distress. Indicators such as excessive panting, marked lethargy, or – in more severe cases – convulsions, necessitate immediate relocation of the animal to a shaded environment and the commencement of cooling interventions such as moistening the animal’s fur and employing gentle fanning to stimulate evaporative cooling and restore thermal balance.