Harz gets second extinguishing machine – cooperation with Göttingen!

Harz gets second extinguishing machine – cooperation with Göttingen!

Since 2023, the Harz district has been using its own firefighting aircraft to fight forest fires. The aircraft, called “Hexe1”, was purchased after a devastating fire on the Brocken in 2022 and has since attracted a lot of attention. District Administrator Thomas Balcerowski from the CDU reports increasing nationwide interest in this innovative firefighting solution, which is unparalleled in Germany. The Harz district is the only one that uses firefighting aircraft in combination with ground forces, which makes it unique in firefighting, informs MDR.

In order to ensure an even faster response, district fire chief Kai-Uwe Lohse has applied for a second firefighting aircraft to be purchased. This step could be particularly helpful in effectively managing short-term operations. However, Balcerowski rejects the permanent stationing of another fire-fighting aircraft for financial reasons, even though a one-year cooperation agreement has already been signed with the Göttingen district in Lower Saxony. Collaboration with the Thuringian district of Nordhausen is also on the agenda.

Financing and operating the firefighting aircraft

The cost of using the firefighting aircraft is around 3,400 euros net per hour, a factor that complicates the discussion about permanent stationing. It is interesting that another fire-fighting aircraft will be available in Ballenstedt, Saxony-Anhalt, from April 1, 2025. This aircraft complements the already established force and is part of a contract with a Polish provider that runs until 2028. Unfortunately, however, it must also be noted that Lower Saxony no longer has its firefighting aircraft in use after the contract for two aircraft in Braunschweig was not extended, as [NDR](https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/niedersachsen/braunschweig_harz_goettingen/Loesch Flugzeuge-fuer-Harz-sind-ready-jedoch-nicht-in-Niedersachsen,loesch Flugzeuge106.html) reports.

While Lower Saxony relies on helicopters, which are seen as more suitable and more versatile, the firefighting aircraft in the Harz are a welcome resource for European civil protection. This not only serves the Harz district, but can also be made available to other places outside the Harz district if necessary. Temporary landing areas are being set up to enable the machines to circulate quickly.

EU initiatives and international cooperation

Another exciting aspect is the financial support from the EU. There are currently two Air Tractor AT 802/A firefighting aircraft stationed at Braunschweig-Wolfsburg Airport, which are part of the rescEU fleet. These were mainly financed with EU funds and are available for operations until October 30, 2025. Germany can use these aircraft as long as they are not needed for European missions. The use of these aircraft can be of great importance for European Member States, especially given the challenges posed by forest fires in the region, as the information from [EU](https://germany.representation.ec.europa.eu/news/zwei-losch planes-als-part-of-eu-fleet-niedersachsen-stationiert-2023-06-19_de) shows.

While nature has suffered greatly due to various fires in recent years, the EU and the affected states are actively trying to work preventatively with early warning systems and international cooperation. For example, the EU's Copernicus satellite mapping service was established, providing detailed information from space and supporting efficient monitoring of forest fires.

In summary, it can be seen that the Harz district has taken an important step towards improving disaster control with the introduction of its firefighting aircraft. Cooperation with neighboring counties and initiatives at EU level not only strengthen regional security, but also ensure international cooperation in crisis management.