Forest fire in the Nordeifel: Oberberg emergency forces provide assistance across regions Emergency forces of the so-called "Readiness Unit 5" were deployed yesterday to provide support. Simultaneously, the emergency forces were also active in the Oberbergischer Kreis during several fire incidents...

Oberberg District. Due to the forest fire in Hürtgenwald (Düren District), emergency forces and vehicles from the Oberberg District were also deployed yesterday evening (Friday, 14.08.2026) for supra-regional assistance. The support is provided as part of the so-called „Standby 5", which consists of emergency forces and fire departments from Leverkusen, the Oberberg District, and the Rheinisch-Bergisch District.

Initially, around 70 emergency personnel from Oberberg set off. Additionally, 15 vehicles are being provided - including fire engines, logistics vehicles, and a command component with the „Command Vehicle 2" from the Oberberg District. The emergency forces have since been relieved in shifts. Since the vehicles and emergency personnel come from several communities in the Oberberg District, fire protection in all Oberberg communities is ensured.

Hürtgenwald (Düren District) is located in the Northern Eifel, approximately 90 kilometers as the crow flies from Gummersbach. Nevertheless, the effects of the forest fire were also noticeable in the Oberberg communities due to odor nuisance and smoke fallout. Since health impairments could not be ruled out, the fire and rescue control center issued a warning with behavioral recommendations on Friday afternoon via the Modular Warning System (MoWaS).

This warning was available, among other things, via the NINA warning app and was withdrawn this morning (Saturday, 15.08.2026). Shortly after noon, another warning followed for the areas of Gummersbach, Lindlar, Marienheide, and Wipperfürth, as an odor nuisance from a smoke cloud caused by a forest fire in Altena (Märkischer District) was noticeable there. The current warning is still active. There is no health risk.

Residents are urged to keep the emergency numbers for fire and police free for emergencies only!

In parallel with supra-regional assistance, emergency personnel in the Oberberg District were also faced with major challenges during several fire incidents. Among other things, they successfully fought a forest fire of approximately 400 square meters in Engelskirchen-Ründeroth yesterday evening. Early this morning, a grass fire occurred along the K 18 in Marienheide-Königsheide. This was also successfully extinguished.

District Administrator Klaus Grootens addresses all emergency forces and the Oberberg population:

“My heartfelt thanks go to all emergency forces and helpers who have been tirelessly engaged over the past days and continue to be. This includes our fire departments, aid organizations, and the rescue services, as well as the staff in the control center and everyone coordinating events in the background. Without their tireless efforts, this situation could not be managed!

I particularly want to highlight the importance of volunteering. Civil protection in the Oberberg district relies significantly on people who voluntarily engage and are willing to support others - even under challenging and stressful conditions. To all of them, my heartfelt thanks and great respect.

At the same time, I urgently appeal to the entire population: We can all contribute through our behavior to ensuring that no further forest and vegetation fires occur. Please adhere to the current rules and recommendations! Many fires are caused by human behavior. Now it depends on each and every one of us to act responsibly and support our emergency forces through proper behavior.

If you notice smoke or fire developments in nature, call 112 immediately. The current soil dryness means that a fire can spread quickly.

Please take the high temperatures seriously and protect yourself and others from the health effects of the heat. Do not overestimate your physical abilities! Take it easy. Heat is not just unpleasant; it can become life-threatening. Together, we can help avoid health emergencies - also for the benefit of emergency forces and the healthcare system.”

Behavioral recommendations

On www.obk.de/waldbrand, the Oberberg district provides behavioral recommendations for spending time in nature - in the forest, on recreational areas, and in your own garden.

On www.obk.de/hitze , heat protection tips are compiled.

Die Bereitschaft 5 rückte am Abend des 14.08.2026 zur überörtlichen Unterstützung zur Waldbrandbekämpfung in Hürtgenwald (Kreis Düren) aus. (Foto: OBK) — Readiness Unit 5 was deployed on the evening of August 14, 2026, for supra-regional support in combating forest fires in Hürtgenwald (Düren District). (Photo: OBK)

Die Bereitschaft 5 setzt sich aus Einsatzkräften und Feuerwehren aus Leverkusen, dem Oberbergischen Kreis und dem Rheinisch-Bergischen Kreis zusammen. (Foto: OBK) — The readiness unit 5 is composed of emergency forces and fire departments from Leverkusen, the Oberbergischer Kreis, and the Rheinisch-Bergischer Kreis. (Photo: OBK)

Vor Ort: Logistikfahrzeug des OBK, im Hintergrund ein Helikopter für den Wassertransport. (Foto: OBK) — On-site: Logistics vehicle of the OBK, with a helicopter in the background for water transport. (Photo: OBK)

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