The highest level of alert for forest fires was declared in parts of Germany after the country was hit by hot and dry weather, similar to other countries in Europe, DPA reported.

In 10 of Germany's 16 states, mostly in the south, west and northeast, the fire alert was raised to the maximum level five.

In Bavaria, authorities urged people to be extra careful when walking in the forest, warning that even a carelessly thrown faz could cause a fiery inferno.

Temperatures in Germany are expected to rise to 40 degrees Celsius today.

It is also possible to improve the record from 2019, when 41.2 degrees were registered in the country.

Western Europe is gripped by a heat wave

A forest fire broke out yesterday in a national park in the eastern state of Saxony.

Authorities said the fire was under control, but warned there was a risk it could flare up again.

This morning, firefighters brought another forest fire under control – near the western town of Essen.

The area was flooded with a large amount of water to prevent further outbreaks of the fire.

The hot and dry weather created favorable conditions for the ignition and spread of fires in many parts of Europe.

Last week there were many forest fires, including in Croatia, France, Greece, Italy, Portugal and Spain.

Rivers in Germany are also affected by the dry and hot weather.

According to the Federal Institute of Hydrology, the level of two of the country's largest rivers, the Elbe and the Rhine, which are also major shipping routes, have dropped below normal, sometimes forcing ships to sail with lighter loads.

Germany

Forest fires