Fires Break out across German on New Year's Eve

Berliners tried to set off fireworks from balconies at home on New Year's Eve, leading to 18 fires breaking out across the German capital, The Guardian reported.

As Berliners were barred from shooting off fireworks in the streets due to the lockdown measures, they celebrated in their houses instead.

Dozens of fires swept through the city; however, no one was initially reported seriously injured.

By six minutes after midnight, the Berlin fire service had been called to 18 fires, with more following afterwards.

Firework sales were also banned in the weeks ahead of New Year’s throughout Germany.

Germany has strict lockdown measures currently in place to combat another record-breaking surge in COVID-19 cases.

In her traditional New Year’s address to the nation, German Chancellor Angela Merkel did not attempt to sugarcoat the challenges that the country will face in 2021.

Merkel stated that the people will need to keep up their discipline in fighting the coronavirus pandemic well into 2021, even as vaccinations fuel new hope.

She added that facing the pandemic was and remains a political, social, and economic task of the century.

The chancellor noted: “Engaging in this historic feat has demanded and continues to demand tremendous confidence and patience of you. I thank you whole-heartedly for that,”.

She stated in Thursday’s message that this was most likely the last time that she will speak as chancellor in a new year address.

Merkel continued: “I don’t think I am exaggerating when I say that never in the last 15 years have all of us found the old year so difficult — and never have we looked forward to the new year with so much hope, despite all our worries and some skepticism.”