Wildfire burns in Brandenburg woodlands of Berlin

A wildfire has broken out in a woodland area south-west of Berlin where unexploded World War II munitions are believed to remain, making fire-fighting efforts more difficult, reported dpa.

The forest fire near the town of Treuenbrietzen in Brandenburg covered some 60 hectares by Friday evening and had produced a giant plume of smoke that was visible for miles, according to fire protection officer Raimund Engel.

Some 380 emergency workers from the fire brigade, the police, the armed forces and the German Federal Agency for Technical Relief were deployed to fight the fire, district spokesperson Andrea Metzler said.

There were concerns about the mass deployment of emergency workers, however, given the fire was spreading in an area where officials believe unexploded World War II ordnance remains, Engel said, adding that there had already been some explosions.

The fire comes as summer temperatures soar in many parts of Germany, leaving the ground dry and with shifting winds creating a dynamic situation.

Firefighting efforts are expected to continue on Saturday.