Vast Forest Fire Spreading Near Berlin Local Residents Told to Prepare to Evacuate

[Meatpie]

German authorities have told residents of a village southwest of Berlin to prepare for possible evacuation due to a nearby forest fire.

Brandenburg state officials said Thursday that residents of Fichtenwalde, 35 kilometers (22 miles) from the capital, should pack clothing, important documents and medications ahead of a possible evacuation.

Vast plumes of smoke could be seen rising from the fire, which is close to a busy highway between Berlin and Leipzig.