Several forest fires broke out on Monday between Ober- and Niederrodenbach in the Main-Kinzig district of central Germany, scorching at least 30,000 square metres of woodland. Firefighters worked through the night to contain the blazes, protecting a holiday home settlement nestled in the forest from damage.
Police have not ruled out arson as a cause. The fires were discovered at multiple points in the same wooded area, authorities said.
In response to the heavy water demand from firefighting operations, the local utility called on residents in Freigericht, Bruchköbel, Langenselbold and surrounding communities to conserve water and refrain from showering or bathing. Separate fires elsewhere in the region also caused disruption: three firefighters suffered minor injuries near Bad Schwalbach, and the A7 motorway near Hann. Münden was closed for more than twelve hours due to a blaze.