Two Major Harvest Fires Hit Mecklenburg-Vorpommern on July 13

Two large grain field fires erupted during harvest work in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern on Sunday, July 13, injuring four firefighters and two residents. The larger fire near Staven consumed a 45-hectare winter barley field and forced evacuation of 38 homes with roughly 50 residents. A second fire destroyed 60 hectares of grain near the A20 highway and briefly closed the motorway.

Staven fire spreads rapidly across 45 hectares

A fire broke out around noon on a 45-hectare winter barley field near Staven in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern district during harvest operations. One resident described it to NDR as a wall of fire spreading rapidly toward the village. About 100 firefighters from surrounding areas fought the blaze for roughly two hours before extinguishing it. Four firefighters were injured, two requiring hospital treatment, and two residents received outpatient care.

Evacuation and smoke spread threaten nearby homes

Police and firefighters evacuated 38 houses with approximately 50 residents as smoke spread across the area. Aerial footage showed large gray-black smoke plumes. Residents were sheltered in the local volunteer fire station building. Shifting winds made the fire unpredictable and harder to control, according to incident commanders.

Second fire closes A20 highway for one hour

A second grain fire burned about 60 hectares of winter barley near Grimmen-West and Tribsees on the A20 motorway. The fire occurred 200 to 300 meters north of the highway. Wind from the north blew smoke onto the roadway, forcing a full closure. Multiple volunteer fire brigades extinguished the fire within one hour and reopened the motorway. Damage was estimated at 60,000 euros.

Why harvest fires spread fast and are hard to fight

Stefan Kuna, NDR editor and firefighter, identified three common causes of harvest fires: stone strikes on equipment, mechanical defects in combine harvesters, or discarded cigarettes. The main challenge is that fire spreads in all directions across dry stubble. Most farm vehicles lack four-wheel drive to reach remote fields. “You need water and there usually isn’t any on a field,” Kuna said. Firefighters must bring their own water supplies, slowing response.

Final Thoughts

Heat and dry conditions during harvest season create extreme fire risk across northern Germany. Farmers and firefighters need better coordination and equipment access to prevent larger losses.

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