Forest Fires in Saxony and Thuringia: Managing Forest Fires in These German Regions

THW and Technical Relief Agency Support Fire-Fighting Efforts in Saxony and Thuringia

A forest fire has been raging in the Saalfeld-Rudolstadt district since July 2, affecting approximately 250 hectares. The Technical Relief Agency (THW) and local associations from Saxony and Thuringia have been deployed to help combat the fires at Gohrischheide (Meissen district) and Gösselsdorf (Rudolstadt/Saalfeld district) since July 2, 2025.

The deployment in Gohrischheide is upon request of the responsible authorities. Approximately 100 volunteer personnel from twelve THW local associations are involved in the deployment, working in shifts. Janine Stock, THW regional representative for Saxony and Thuringia, states that the THW units are currently conveying water to the fire sites and filling collection basins in the Saalfeld-Rudolstadt district.

The main tasks of the THW personnel at both sites include aerial reconnaissance, construction and operation of water transfer points, water and tank logistics, and catering for all deployed forces. The Technical Relief Agency is providing round-the-clock technical assistance at Gohrischheide with over 50 volunteer personnel.

In addition, around 30 volunteer personnel from the local associations Apolda, Erfurt, and Rudolstadt/Saalfeld are currently deployed or relieved in the Saalfeld-Rudolstadt district. The THW is supporting fire-fighting efforts mainly with logistics and lighting.

A state of catastrophe has been declared in the Saalfeld-Rudolstadt district due to the forest fire. The deployment site Gohrischheide is near a former troop training area. The original content was transmitted via news aktuell by THW Regional Association Saxony, Thuringia.

Fire departments have been fighting a large fire at Gohrischheide since early July 1. Equipment is continuously supplied according to the needs of the operations management at Gohrischheide. The contact for inquiries is THW Regional Association Saxony, Thuringia, with Andrea Wirth as the point of contact, reachable at 0173/4701606 and [email protected].

Regarding the head of the THW regional association Saxony, Thuringia involved in the wildfires near Gohrischheide and Gösselsdorf/Saalfelder Höhen on July 2, 2025, the name is not stated in the search results and cannot be confirmed from the sources provided. However, Janine Stock, THW regional representative, mentions that the 34 THW local associations in Saxony and Thuringia stand ready to continue and expand technical support.

The deployment site Gösselsdorf/Saalfelder Heights was not specified with regard to the number of personnel or equipment involved. It is important to note that the THW deployment is upon request of the responsible authorities and is part of the ongoing efforts to combat the forest fires in the region.