State Forest Authority Counts 49 Forest Fires for 2025 - Thuringia's 2025 Wildfires Burn Record Land, Defying Decades of Data

Thuringia faced a record-breaking wildfire season in 2025, with 49 blazes scorching nearly 86 hectares of land. This marks the worst damage in decades, far exceeding the previous year's losses and the long-term average.

The State Forestry Agency reported 49 wildfires across the region, a sharp rise from 33 in 2024. Only two years—2003 and 2022—had more fires since 1995, with 90 and 70 incidents respectively.

A single fire on the Saalfeld Heights near Gösselsdorf destroyed about 82 hectares, making up nearly all the total burned area. The rest of the blazes accounted for just under four hectares combined. Investigators found that 65 percent of the fires had no clear cause, while 18 percent were ruled as arson and 14 percent as negligence. One fire started after a traffic accident.

Dry conditions played a major role, as rainfall in 2025 dropped well below 2024 levels. The worst months for fires were April, May, and July, with 10, 11, and 12 incidents respectively. August, by contrast, saw only three blazes.

The total area burned in 2025 reached 85.7 hectares, equivalent to over 120 soccer fields. This figure dwarfs the 35 hectares lost in 2024 and ten times the long-term annual average. Authorities now face the task of reviewing fire prevention measures ahead of future dry seasons.