Waldbrand near Zerbst: Fire brigade fights against flashing embers!

Waldbrand near Zerbst: Fire brigade fights against flashing embers!

Jütrichau, Deutschland - A spectacular forest fire employed the minds on Saturday in the Jütrichau district of Zerbst, in the Anhalt-Bitterfeld district. The flames that broke out on Saturday afternoon could be brought under control by the fire brigade in the evening, but embers again and again flames. As a result, the extinguishing work continues to continue. A total of around 150 firefighters and a helicopter from the federal police are on duty to finally extinguish the fire and prevent further spread. Help came from firefighters from Dessau-Roßlau and the Salzlandkreis, such as MDR reported.

The federal road 184, which was closed during the operation, has now been released for traffic again. However, drivers are asked to drive carefully so as not to hinder the emergency services in their work. The railway line between Dessau and Magdeburg was also temporarily closed, which caused the travelers to accept detours.

wild animals and environment

Special attention also applies to the wild animals, which were startled by the extinguishing work. Forest fires can not only cause direct damage, but also have long -term effects on biodiversity and the stability of the forest ecosystems. As the Federal Environment Agency explains, forest fires can release emissions that affect human health, including fine dust and greenhouse gases. In addition, young and light needle forests are particularly susceptible to such a fire.

The causes of forest fires are often diverse. In 2023, no specific cause could be determined in 51 % of the fires. In many cases, human action is responsible for this, for example through negligence or arson. The analysis of the Federal Environment Agency shows careless behavior of forest visitors, campers or children in more than half of the negligent cases. It remains to be seen whether this also applies to the current fire in Zerbst, since the exact cause is still unclear.

an overview of forest fires in Germany

forest fires are among the challenges with which the authorities are increasingly confronted. The reports show that a total of 1,059 forest fires were registered in 2023, which represents a decline by half compared to 2022. Nevertheless, the risk of forest fire, especially between May and July, is still high. There were significant fire and damage in many regions such as Brandenburg, Lower Saxony and Saxony.

The fire area affected by the fire in Zerbst is continuously monitored by the authorities. The current effort is an intensive example of how important the cooperation between the fire brigade, police and other emergency services is in such crisis situations. There is no lack of support, but nature remains an unpredictable partner.

We will continue to pursue the situation and report on developments related to extinguishing work and the effects of the fire on people and the environment. So stay tuned and keep informed about the situation, regardless of whether you live in the region or are just visiting. Security is going on!