A wildfire in North Rhine-Westphalia forced nearly 2,000 residents to evacuate after flames spread through forests dried out by a series of heat waves.

Authorities say rapidly changing winds caused the fire to expand unpredictably overnight, prompting emergency warnings and evacuations.

Firefighters also face the threat of unexploded World War II munitions buried in the area.

As crews continue battling the blaze, extremely dry conditions across parts of Germany are increasing the risk of further forest fires.