WATCH: Leopard tanks deployed to forest fire following explosion at police blast site in Berlin’s Grunewald

FIREFIGHTERS are currently tackling a huge forest fire in Berlin’s Grunewald after an explosion at a police blast site on Thursday, August 4.

A large-scale operation began in the Grunewald region of Germany’s capital of Berlin after a fire erupted in the forest at a police bomb disposal site. Leopard armoured tanks have been deployed to help with operation.

Videos circulating online show the extent of the explosion and subsequent forest fire.

“Here you can see the explosions in Grunewald. Recorded from the roof of the Corbusierhaus in Westend by in-house technician Michael von Rein,” one account on Twitter wrote.

Hier sieht man die Explosionen im Grunewald. Aufgenommen vom Dach des Corbusierhauses in Westend von Haustechniker Michael von Rein. #explosion #Berlin #grunewald pic.twitter.com/vA8Q93zsDk

— rbb 88.8 (@rbb88acht) August 4, 2022

Another wrote: “Forest fire rages after explosion at police blast site in Berlin‘s Grunewald forest.”

https://twitter.com/GadserTm/status/1555086485577138176

Smoke can be seen billowing from Wannsee in the southwestern Berlin borough of Steglitz-Zehlendorf, Germany.

fire in the Grunewald from Wannsee pic.twitter.com/tnIMfmuenU

— baruhara lenny (@grittyleoriot) August 4, 2022

“Uncontrolled explosions have been occurring at a police detonation site since early morning. The adjacent #Grunewald is also affected. The extinguishing work is extremely difficult,” wrote news outlet @ZDFheute.

Auf einem Sprengplatz der Polizei kommt es seit dem frühen Morgen zu unkontrollierten Explosionen. Betroffen ist auch der angrenzende #Grunewald. Die Löscharbeiten sind äußerst schwierig. pic.twitter.com/5f2CClrJYc

— ZDFheute (@ZDFheute) August 4, 2022

“Large-volume water supply over long distances and locking position on the blocking circuit are set up. Air support is provided by a police helicopter and a drone. A fire-fighting helicopter and armoured vehicles from the Bundeswehr were requested,” the Berlin fire department wrote.

Update: großvolumige Wasserversorgung über lange Wegstrecken und Riegelstellung am Sperrkreis sind aufgebaut. Unterstützung aus der Luft erfolgt durch einen Polizeihubschrauber und einer Drohne. Ein Löschhubschrauber und gepanzerte Fahrzeuge der Bundeswehr wurden angefordert. pic.twitter.com/5Zxap8u3HT

— Berliner Feuerwehr (@Berliner_Fw) August 4, 2022

“Now comes the very heavy equipment: Bundeswehr brings “Leopard” armoured recovery vehicles to the forest fire. He should explore the Grunewald, if necessary cut firebreaks,” Julius Betschka said.

Jetzt kommt das ganz schwere Gerät: Bundeswehr bringt "Leopard" Bergepanzer zum Waldbrand. Er soll den #Grunewald erkunden, ggf. Brandschneisen schlagen. pic.twitter.com/WSnRkpqJzf

— Julius Betschka (@JuliusBetschka) August 4, 2022

The forest fire has burned through 15,000 square metres so far.

According to the police and fire brigade, the Avus is expected to remain closed all day. Rail traffic between Berlin Central Station and Potsdam is also interrupted.

The explosion at the police explosives site in Berlin comes a day after an explosion injured several people at a nitrocellulose factory in France.

An explosion at a nitrocellulose factory in France’s Bergerac on Wednesday, August 3, led to a woman being airlifted to Bordeaux University Hospital and several others being treated for less serious injuries.

The Manuco nitrocellulose factory is “a world-class Energetic Nitrocellulose supplier for the defence, outdoors, law enforcement, pyrotechnics and civil explosives industries,” according to their website.

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