German authorities ordered around 1,800 residents to evacuate the village of Gey early Friday as a wildfire spread through woodland near the Belgian border. Residents were told to leave immediately and report to an assistance centre at a nearby primary school, taking only essential belongings, identification documents and necessary medicines.

The wildfire has affected around 25 hectares (62 acres) of woodland, prompting a major emergency response. Firefighters and emergency crews continued efforts to contain the blaze, while the B399 road through the affected area was closed as a precaution.

Germany is facing dry conditions and elevated forest-fire risks across large areas. The wildfire comes amid an unusually active fire season across Europe, where heatwaves and dry vegetation have increased the threat of large-scale wildfires.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright