Overview

• Multiple major fires erupted across Germany from June 23–25, affecting forests near Wendelstein and Harz, a high-rise basement in Dresden, an abandoned shelter in Zwickau and storage facilities in Ulm and Augsburg.
• Dry, hot conditions led the Deutsche Wetterdienst to issue high fire-danger warnings in many regions, contributing to rapid fire spread.
• Authorities suspect arson in several cases, detaining a 43-year-old suspect in Zwickau and investigating deliberate ignition in Dresden’s Johannstadt district.
• Firefighting operations have involved around 400 personnel, supported by helicopters, thermal-imaging drones and specialized equipment to tackle blazes in difficult terrain.
• Precautionary evacuations, including a care home near Wendelstein, kept casualties low, and crews report that several of the largest fires are now under control while investigations continue for active hotspots.