A wildfire in the Eifel region has necessitated the evacuation of the Gey district in the municipality of Hürtgenwald. The local community announced on Friday that the approximately 1,800 residents must leave the area immediately as the fire continues to spread. The warning application Nina indicated the highest level of danger, categorized as “Extreme Risk.”
According to a police spokesperson, the evacuation so far has proceeded without incident. The fire began spreading on Thursday afternoon, currently engulfing about 25 hectares of forest, which is comparable to the area of around 35 football pitches. Firefighters describe the situation in the Gey area as a major incident and a fire that is out of control.
Residents affected by the fire are advised only to take essential personal belongings, identification documents, and necessary medication. A designated reception point has been set up at the Grundschule Straß (Straß Primary School). Members of the public are urged to avoid the area and strictly follow the instructions given by the police and fire department.
Police forces from Aachen, Heinsberg, and Euskirchen are assisting the Düren police with the ongoing evacuation efforts. The extinguishing operations have proven challenging, particularly since aerial firefighting planes could not be deployed during the night.
