High forest fire risk in the resin: Steam locomotive traffic is changed!

High forest fire risk in the resin: Steam locomotive traffic is changed!

The persistent drought in the resin currently ensures that there are more difficult situations. The danger level for forest fires will increase from Saturday, June 21, at level 4 - this means high danger throughout the area. As news38.de, the Harzer narrow-gauge railways (HSB) have decided to switch to the risk of further fire minimize. This is done in the course of the risk of forest fire, which is also reinforced by already observed forest fires on the chunk.

From 21 to June 24th, train traffic is converted between three Annen Hohne and Brocken. Instead of eight planned steam train pairs, seven pairs of trips will run with diesel locomotives in the future. As a precaution, the HSB dispensed with steam operation at the end of April and installed corresponding security devices to minimize the risk through sparking flights.

Why is it better to drive with diesel locomotives?

The discussion about the fire trucks of locomotives and the associated risks is not new. Experts shed light on the fact that Sparks are kept under control by special precautions at steam locomotive. However, in a statement at MDR it becomes clear that one does not assume that the forest fires are directly connected to the spark of coal firing. At the same time, a proposal is submitted to switch the technology to fat lubrication in order to further reduce the environmental impact.

Even if the steam locomotive is very popular as a tourist attraction for the region, it is no longer considered up to date. Nevertheless, many advocate the preservation of this historical technology because it is an important part of regional identity.

The future of the risk of forest fire

How the Federal Environment Agency will increase, the risk of forest fires in Germany will increase in the coming decades. The main causes are increased temperatures and declining rainfall in spring, summer and autumn. Although forest fires in Germany are still rather rare, human activities such as illegal fireplaces or thrown away cigarette butts contribute significantly to the risk of fire. The responsible handling of the population with nature is becoming increasingly important.

The coming days do not promise large rain forecasts. Therefore, it remains to be seen when the steam locomotives can be put back into operation. The HSB emphasizes that the resumption of steam operation depends heavily on the weather conditions.

The Harz narrow -gauge railways are therefore faced with a simultaneous challenge: to combine the preservation of tradition and technology with the growing need for security and environmental protection. It remains exciting how the situation in the resin will develop.