A forest fire broke out near a former military training ground south of the German capital Berlin, DPA reported, quoted by BTA. citing a spokesman for the local fire department.
About eight hectares have already been affected by the fire near the town of Utterbog in the province of Brandenburg, the spokesman announced yesterday, adding that the fire is spreading further.
The area is littered with ammunition, which means that emergency crews can currently only fight the fire from strictly defined locations. A federal police helicopter has been requested and is expected to arrive today. The Bundeswehr will also send its own units to help with the extinguishing.
There are currently no settlements affected by the fire, which is burning north of highway 102 between the villages of Altes Lager and Klausdorf. A DPA reporter heard detonations coming from the area of the fire, which was also reported by emergency teams. Numerous local fire services are on the scene.
The entire area will be surveyed today with a drone to get an idea of the overall situation. The cause of the fire is still unclear.