Fire in Germany's Harz mountains not yet under control

A major fire in Germany's Harz mountains is still not under control as firefighters attempt to battle the blaze for a third day, reported dpa.

The fire in the mountainous region popular with hikers had apparently spread further in some places, a spokesperson for the district said on Monday morning.

The news dashed hopes that the fire had been contained overnight.

A total area of about 150 hectares is estimated to be on fire around the tallest peak in northern Germany, the Brocken mountain.

Firefighting planes and helicopters are being deployed to put out the fire on Monday.

The blaze was discovered on Saturday afternoon at the Goethe Path, or Goetheweg, one of the most popular hiking trails in the national park.