Rescue from the air: THW in action against devastating forest fires!

Rescue from the air: THW in action against devastating forest fires!

It's boiling in eastern Germany: The Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW) has been working with a large contingent since last week to fight the violent forest fires in Thuringia and Saxony. Over 300 THW staff have been mobilized and are ready in Gohrischheide. THW President Sabine Lackner personally visited the site on Tuesday and praised the tireless endurance and commitment of the helpers working across the country. This valuable work is particularly important because forest fires not only endanger large areas, but also pose a serious threat to the population.

The rapid reactions of the emergency services are crucial to containing the fires. The THW helpers take on central tasks in fighting fires, including ensuring the supply of fire-fighting water. This is done by pumping water from a gravel pit, which is directed to the fire via an impressive 2.5 kilometer long hose route. Large pumps that can pump up to 25,000 liters per minute and mobile water tanks are used to respond to the flames quickly and efficiently.

Logistical support and technology

Against the backdrop of dangerous forest fire conditions in Saxony, the THW is carrying out comprehensive logistical tasks in addition to actively fighting fires. This includes the illumination of the deployment sites as well as on-site specialist advice. As part of a large-scale exercise in the greater Dresden area, communication between the emergency services and coordination centers is also being tested and improved. Sebastian Saul from THW emphasizes that effective communication is essential in disaster situations. After the floods in 2002, special emergency teams were formed to be prepared for all eventualities in an emergency.

The exercise includes the establishment of stable radio links so that the emergency services can work from Altenberg even in the difficult terrain. This technology makes it possible to make up to 40,000 telephone calls in parallel and transmit up to 400 megabits, which is ideal for coordinating rescue efforts.

The first responders at the scene of the fire

Forest fires not only pose challenges for emergency services, but also for forest visitors. They are often the first to arrive at the scene of a fire and should call for help quickly. There are tried and tested tips for emergencies: Fire residue can be treated with branches and twigs (preferably from pine trees). It is also important to keep the surfaces flammable to prevent rapid spread. Manual interventions such as applying wound strips are helpful in stopping the fire.

Thanks to the technical support of the THW, their precise logistics and the energy of the emergency services, the fire can be fought efficiently. But the situation remains tense because the dangers posed by forest fires will continue to be a serious issue in the future. The mechanisms and strategies for fighting fires are only coming into focus against the backdrop of climate change.

Conclusion: The committed THW forces make an invaluable contribution to fighting forest fires in the region. Their work and constant exercises not only increase operational readiness, but also help to gain important experience in order to act quickly and effectively in emergencies.