As wildfires spread in the German state of Hesse, people living in some towns have been urged to avoid showering where possible to ensure there are sufficient water reserves for firefighting.
Firefighters are battling several fires in the central German state of Hesse. It comes amid devastating wildfires that have gripped France, Spain and other parts of southern Europe in recent weeks.
Extreme heat and little rain has resulted in major disruption across Germany this summer, from low water levels on rivers to an increase in heat-related illnesses and deaths.
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Fires broke out at different sites in woodland area between Ober-and Niederrodenbach (Main-Kinzig), east of Frankfurt, near the border with Bavaria, on Monday afternoon.
"It is still unclear whether the individual fire sites are linked," local police said in a statement on Monday evening. However, they have not ruled out arson. No injuries have been reported and firefighting operations continued throughout the night.
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Drones were due to be deployed again on Tuesday to assess the extent of the damage.
Firefighters are taking turns in various shifts to tackle the embers that keep flaring up. The operation is expected to continue for at least the whole of Tuesday, emergency services said.
Urgent appeal to save water
Due to the high demand for water to fight the blaze, utility company Kreiswerke Main-Kinzig has called on residents to reduce their consumption to the bare minimum.
"Please avoid showering, bathing, watering gardens and other water-intensive activities wherever possible," said the company. "Every litre counts."
The appeal was directed at the municipalities of Bruchköbel, Freigericht-Somborn, Hasselroth, Rodenbach and Langenselbold.
Emergency services from Bavaria have also been involved with the operation.
The Integrated Control Centre in the Main-Kinzig district alerted people via the warning system Katwarn, particularly in the Rodenbach municipal area, about the effects of the fires.
Concerns have been raised over ash and heavy smoke. Locals were told to close windows and doors, and switch off ventilation systems and air conditioning.
High risk of forest fires
Other fires have been affecting the area. Last week more than 1,000 emergency workers spent several days battling a wildfire near Bad Schwalbach in the west of Hesse. Around 25,000 square metres of woodland were ablaze.
On Monday, according to the German Weather Service’s forest fire risk index, there was a high risk of forest fires across parts of Hesse, Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg and other areas.
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The wildfire risk in Germany on Tuesday. Screenshot: DWD
Autobahn closed due to blaze
Meanwhile, a section of the A7 was closed on Monday due to a wildfire in Lower Saxony.
The blaze broke out in woodland between Göttingen and Kassel, according to a police statement.
"Due to the smoke, it is currently not possible to travel safely on the Autobahn," police said on Monday.
Motorists were advised to avoid the area. Initially, only the southbound carriageway was closed, but shortly afterwards the northbound lane was shut.
It reopened early on Tuesday morning.
