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Large-scale operation in Thomsdorf: Straw rent is ablaze!
Deployment of the fire brigade in Thomsdorf: Major challenges when extinguishing a straw pile fire under difficult conditions.
Large-scale operation in Thomsdorf: Straw rent is ablaze!
On Wednesday evening, the small community of Thomsdorf in Boitzenburger Land was rocked by a major fire. The fire brigade needed to be deployed quickly because the fire in a straw rental had already spread to around 90 percent of the area when the first emergency services arrived on site. That reports Northern Courier.
The challenges were enormous. Three farmers tried to remove the straw bundles that were not affected by the fire using wheel loaders, while the fire department struggled to find enough water to extinguish the fire. Water from nearby firefighting ponds was quickly exhausted, which is why the decision was made to organize a water supply from Lake Carwitz, about 1.2 kilometers away.
Difficult conditions for the emergency services
The terrain presented the emergency services with additional challenges. Due to the circumstances, shuttle service with fire engines was not possible. This made the rapid intervention of the fire brigade all the more important, as it prevented the flames from spreading to a nearby grain field. At around 10 p.m. the number of emergency services on the area was reduced, while the fire departments from Funkenhagen and Hardenbeck remained on fire watch.
No injuries were reported as the fire continued to rage, and the current cause of the fire is also unclear. However, a look at past events is suspicious: In July, a barn burned in Hardenbeck with material damage in the upper five-figure range, which is why deliberate arson is suspected.
A look at the fire statistics
In order to better understand the fires and their causes, it is worth comparing them with the most recent data from the CFS CTIF. According to report № 29, which analyzes fire statistics for 2022, a large number of operations were documented in 55 countries. Among other things, fires in fields were recorded, as was the case with the straw rental in Thomsdorf. The report provides statistical insights to help better understand the risks and challenges, particularly when it comes to agricultural fires. For those interested, the report is available in three languages: English, Spanish and German, and highlights not only the causes of fires, but also statistics on fire victims and operations worldwide. You can find more information in the comprehensive report on the website CFS CTIF.
The extinguishing work in Thomsdorf is expected to continue for several hours, while further information on the exact background to the fire is expected on Thursday.