Waldbrand in Gohrischheide: Evacuations and 600 hectares affected!

Waldbrand in Gohrischheide: Evacuations and 600 hectares affected!

in the Gohrischheide, a region on the border between Saxony and Brandenburg, a devastating forest fire has spread. According to the Tagesspiegel are already in use to combat the flames. The fire area has more than tenfold since Wednesday afternoon and now affects at least 600 hectares. This alarming situation has led to the evacuation of dozens of residents, including residents of a dormitory for severely disabled people in Heidehäuser.

The fire brigades react to the increasing dangers: the residents of Lichtenensee were asked to leave their houses immediately. In particular, dry vegetation and the light wind favor the spread of the fire, which continues to keep the situation tense. The district office has already proclaimed a large danger.

The location continues to escalate

The fire initially seemed to be contained on Wednesday night, but the situation changed quickly. Another reason for concern is the proximity of the fire to an explosive place in the ordnance disposal service, which makes the extinguishing work complicated. Two firefighters suffered severe burns in the missions. Around 65 emergency services from Brandenburg support the extinguishing work on site.

The evacuation of the affected residents was a precautionary measure, whereby people were asked to take only the most necessary, such as IDs and cash. Phantom faults and fire -fighting helicopters are ready to combat the fire from the air.

past and outlook

The Gohrischheide is already known through past forest fires. An event to be highlighted was recorded in June 2022 when the region was shaken by the largest forest fire in Saxony for three decades. These experiences are still present, and the community faces the challenge of dealing with the damage caused by the fire.

Around 850 hectares burned down in the past, which led to massive financial losses for many forest owners. Michael Marth, a forest owner and board member of the Mühlberg agricultural cooperative, lost more than 4 hectares of forest. The forest owners are currently trying to establish a stable mixed forest again after the previously dominating pines are to be replaced by other tree species. This afforestation is supported by funding from the country, but which will soon expire. An important factor that leads to an increased risk of fire is the dead wood in non -exposed areas that acts as a possible fire load.

The forest fire -related situation is not only a local problem, but is also in the context of global climate change. As Statista , forest fires are favored by continuing dryness and heat waves. In 2023, over 1,200 hectares were destroyed by forest fires in Germany. The previous year there were even more than 3,000 hectares, which is the highest value in the past 30 years.

The current forest fire season has so far developed lightly, but the constant warnings testify to the latent danger, the fires for our environment and our health. The entire everyday life of the affected communities is severely impaired by the fire and their consequences.