Germany fire: Firefighters battle huge Berlin forest blaze

The forests around Berlin are laden with unexploded munitions, further complicating a dangerous task

Firefighters in Germany are battling to subdue one of the largest forest fires in recent decades, around 50km (30 miles) south of Berlin.

The blaze spread overnight on Thursday to an area equivalent to 500 football pitches.

Fire crews, many of them volunteers, had their work complicated by the presence of unexploded munitions, which litter the forests around Berlin.

Hundreds of people have been evacuated from homes menaced by the fire.

Authorities said 540 from three villages were moved to safer places, mostly emergency accommodation.

Blazes near the village of Treuenbrietzen were targeted by helicopters dropping water from above. Police water cannon have also been deployed.

Flames came within 100m (328ft) of homes in some areas, Reuters reports

"I have huge respect for the firefighters who are out there right now, risking their lives," local politician Günter Baaske said.

"We know there is ammunition lying around in the forest."

The munitions are believed to date from the Soviet Army's actions in the former East Germany, during World War Two.

Mr Baaske added that some explosions had been heard.

• How wildfires start and how to stop them

• Why wildfires are breaking out in the 'wrong' countries

• The photos that explain the world's wildfires

Authorities have said the fire is now under control, but that it may take days to fully extinguish.

A pall of smoke hangs over the forest area, and the German capital beyond it

The blaze is believed to have been started deliberately.

The BBC's Berlin Correspondent Jenny Hill reports that people living in the capital were told to close their doors and windows because of a cloud of smoke hanging over the city.

So far, air traffic to and from Berlin remains unaffected.