Impact Level: Warning
Locations Affected: Eifel Region, Huertgenwald, Germany
Tracking Id: RINTP4931320009
Description:
As per reports, a forest fire in the Eifel region near Großhau and Gey in Hürtgenwald municipality, North Rhine-Westphalia, has prompted the immediate evacuation of Gey on Friday (14 August).
• The fire that began on Thursday (13 August), had affected approximately 25 hectares near Großhau and Gey and was declared a major incident by approximately 2200 hours local time (2000 hours UTC).
• At approximately 0400 hours local time (0200 hours UTC) on Friday (14 August), authorities ordered the evacuation of Gey, which has approximately 1,800 residents, after the fire spread towards the district. The NINA warning app issued its highest alert level, Extreme Danger.
• The fire department reported the fire as out of control in the Gey area. Changing wind conditions were driving the fire towards Gey, while the possibility of further spread towards the outskirts of Gey and neighbouring Großhau could not be ruled out.
• Großhau, with approximately 500 residents, was considered at acute risk. At approximately 0600 hours local time (0400 hours UTC), evacuation was reported to have proceeded without incident.
• The B399 and L25 roads are closed to traffic in the affected area. The B399 is within the operational area, while authorities have urged the public to avoid Gey, Großhau and surrounding areas to facilitate emergency operations and prevent additional risks.
Impact:
• Temporary disruptions to local residential and commercial activities are anticipated, while access restrictions are likely to affect personnel, deliveries and services operating in the affected area.
• The closure of the B399 and L25 is anticipated to disrupt local road connectivity around Gey and Großhau, resulting in longer journey times and possible diversions for local traffic and commercial vehicles.
• The continued spread of the fire and changing wind conditions may result in additional evacuation requirements if the fire approaches Gey, Großhau or other nearby areas.
• Smoke from the fire is also likely to reduce local air quality and create health and visibility concerns, particularly for people remaining near the affected area.
Recommendations:
It is advised to suspend non-essential activities within the affected area. Use alternative routes where feasible.
It is recommended to monitor updates and announcements through the website of Municipality of Huertgenwald (https://www.huertgenwald.de/).
Sources:
• https://www.oldenburger-onlinezeitung.de/nachrichten/1-800-menschen-wegen-waldbrand-in-der-eifel-evakuiert-222951.html
• https://www.huertgenwald.de/aktuelles/aktuelle-meldungen/waldbrand-08.2026.php
• https://www.derwesten.de/region/grossbrand-alarm-kreis-dueren-nrw-eifel-id302135692.html
