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full screen An airplane waterbombs burnt forest in the Harz. Photo: Matthias Schrader/AP/TT
A large forest fire is raging in the Harz mountain range in central Germany. 250 firefighters are fighting the fire, including with the help of two airplanes and four helicopters.
On Saturday, the work was in its second day, and during Sunday, more helicopters are expected to be deployed in the extinguishing work.
The fire, which is concentrated on the Brocken mountain and its surroundings, is not yet under control, and extinguishing work is believed to continue for several days.
Operations leader Immo Kramer says, according to the media company MDR, that it is hoped that the conditions for the work will change for the better when rain is expected on Monday.
No injuries have been reported, but 500 hikers have been evacuated and the Harz National Park has posted notices that private individuals “under no circumstances” may approach the fire area, which is a popular outdoor destination.
The area was said to be very dry after the hot summer.