Waldbrand near Sonnewalde: Emergency forces fight for flaming danger!

Waldbrand near Sonnewalde: Emergency forces fight for flaming danger!

In and around Sonnewalde in the Elbe-Elster district, the Situation around the forest fire is largely under control after intensive extinguishing work. But the weather remains a constant companion: wind and high temperatures could let the embers' nests flare again, as [RBB24] reports. The forest fire, which broke out on Tuesday afternoon, has already affected 22 hectares of Kiefernwald, with the greatest damage in the area of ​​Kleinbahren.

A rapid action of the fire brigades was required. Operations manager Oliver Ittner informed about the current state of the situation: "The fire is contained from all four sides, there is currently no acute danger if the conditions remain stable." On Tuesday, up to 300 firefighters were deployed, and on Wednesday the number reduced to around 150, which combat the fire from several operations.

safe return and persistent caution

The 52 residents of the village of Kleinbahren originally evacuated were able to return to their homes on Tuesday evening after the evacuation was lifted, as [Tagesspiegel] reported. The large damage situation in Sonnewalde was also lifted. However, a street between Babben and Breitenau remains closed, while most other road closures have now been lifted again.

The situation could quickly become dangerous again. The forest fire protection officer Raimund Engel warned on Wednesday morning of the possibility of new fires through the current climatic conditions. There is also a risk of fire attack in parts of Saxony, especially in Gohrischheide, which has made the emergency services on alert. A citizens' phone was also set up on the number (03535) 46 4004 to pass on information to the population.

Extreme forest fire risk in Brandenburg

The persistent drought contributes significantly to the risk of forest fire in the region. It is not for nothing that Brandenburg is referred to as "small California", since easily flammable pine forests and sandy soils create the conditions for fires. This danger situation is not new: In the past few years, around 770 hectares and in 2024 around 220 hectares of forest in the region burned, which is due to the continuing problems with the drought. [ZDF] emphasizes that the state government has already taken measures to counteract this danger situation, including the establishment of the first forest fire in Germany.

In the coming days, further extended extinguishing work will be necessary to control the temperature of the soil and effectively prevent the embers' flame again. The fire brigades also use drones with infrared cameras to identify embers, while the heavy device cannot be used due to the rough terrain.

Overall, the risk of forest fires in Brandenburg remains very high, given the weather forecasts that do not provide any significant rainfall. All citizens are called to exercise special caution and pay attention to official warnings.