Forest fire spreads across former military training ground in Germany VIDEO

A large forest fire has continued to burn across a former military training ground in Germany’s Müritz National Park in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, with the affected area reaching around 360 hectares.

Hundreds of emergency personnel have been deployed to fight the blaze, with Bundeswehr helicopters providing aerial support. Their operations are expected to continue, German media reports.

🇩🇪 Im Müritz-Nationalpark in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern brennt ein ehemaliges Truppenübungsgelände auf einer Fläche von 269 Hektar. Rund 375 Einsatzkräfte versuchen das Feuer von außen einzudämmen. Wegen alter Munition im Boden können die Brandbekämpfer nicht direkt an die Flammen… pic.twitter.com/TNnaodabDB

— Nachrichten (@NewsFokus) July 16, 2026

The response has been complicated by unexploded ordnance and other remnants of ammunition at the former training ground. District officials said large-calibre ammunition remains in the area, while anti-tank grenades have also previously been found at the site.

Heat from the fire has triggered explosions, preventing firefighters from approaching the source of the blaze. Crews are instead working from a safe distance using specialised sprinkler systems and protective barriers.

Around 400 emergency personnel were involved in firefighting operations on July 17.

Till Bachhaus, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania’s environment minister, said the fire service was confident it could control the situation, meaning that a state of emergency had not been declared.

The cause of the fire remains unknown, and firefighting operations are expected to continue for several more days.

Residents and tourists have been urged to stay away from the danger zone and avoid nearby cycling and hiking paths.

By Sabina Mammadli