The fire brigade's deed: Injured Löschtrupp receives warm reception!

The fire brigade's deed: Injured Löschtrupp receives warm reception!

In Saxony, the heated discussion about forest fires flared up again after a devastating fire raged in Gohrischheide. The fire, which broke out on July 1, 2025, kept the local rescue workers busy for 14 days and demanded a high price: around 2400 hectares of heath area became a robbery of the flames. Firefighter Silvio Borrack, who was seriously injured during the extinguishing rate, spent a week in the hospital in Leipzig before he was released on Thursday, such as [tag24] (https://www.tag24.de/thema/naturkatastrophen/waldbrand-in-der-gohrischheide-feuerwehr-helden-- 3403808). An ambulance brought him home, but there was an unexpected stopover that provided great pleasure.

In the fire department depot, Borrack was received by numerous comrades and official representatives. Among other things, the community committee Martin Neumann, district fire chief Dirk Hartmann and the President of the State Directorate of Saxony, Béla Bélafi were present. This not only conveyed wishes for recovery, but also a colorful bouquet of flowers and praised the exceptional performance of the emergency services. Borrack was not the only injured person - his comrade René Walther also felt it on the mission, but could be released from the clinic faster.

forest fire risk and causes

The events in the Gohrischheide throw a light on the current situation of the risk of forest fire in Germany. Although the number of forest fires fell to 1,059 in 2023, which represents a decline by half compared to the previous year, the risks remain high. According to the Environmental Federal Agency , younger and light needle forests are particularly at risk and the prevailing conditions, such as higher temperatures and fewer precipitation, increase the risk of forest fire. In 2022, human action, often through careless behavior, was the main trigger for many fires.

In Saxony, the administrative staff of the state directorate was activated on July 3, 2025 to support the combat of the fire in the affected municipalities Zeithain, Wülknitz and the city of Gröditz. The disaster alarm in the district of Meißen was finally canceled, but the recovery of the natural area will take time.

Honoring the fire fighters

The recognition for the efforts of the firefighters was expressed by the officials present. Mayor Claudia Sieber and other representations of the city had come to the fire department depot to honor the commitment and commitment of the comrades. Béla Bélafi spoke of a high respect for the mostly volunteer rescue workers.

The events in the Gohrischheide are an urgent appeal for preventive measures and a deeper handling of the topic of forest fire. The vulnerability of the forests should not be underestimated, especially in view of the forecasts for future weather conditions and associated fire risks. A rethink and investments in sustainable forest economy strategies are required to prevent similar disasters in the future.