Waldbrand near Zerbst: Fire brigade fights against embers and flames!

Waldbrand near Zerbst: Fire brigade fights against embers and flames!

The fire brigade employed a serious fire at the weekend in the Zerbst district of Jütrichau in the Anhalt-Bitterfeld district. The forest fire, which has been raging since Saturday, was brought under control on Saturday evening, but the extinguishing work continues to prevent embers and captivate potential dangers. The committed work of around 280 emergency services, supported by agricultural businesses, police, emergency services and the technical relief organization, attempts are made to keep the fire in chess. The assignment extended over several hours to the morning hours of the following day, reported MDR.

The affected area extends to around 80 hectares of forest and an additional 160 hectares of agricultural areas. The fire engines made particular difficulties: Due to falling trees and water shortages, direct extinguishing in the forest was not possible. However, there is positive news for drivers: the previously blocked federal road 184 is now free again. Nevertheless, it is advisable to drive carefully, as the extinguishing work could still be run and wild animals can be startled, such as n-tv complemented.

First evacuations and damage

As part of the evacuation measures, some facilities, including a dog boarding and a horse farm, were secured. In addition, an old silo and a nursing home were affected by the flames. So far, nothing has been known about the exact causes of the fire. A separate fire area in the Burgenlandkreis region between Großkorbetha and trees, on the other hand, could quickly be brought under control. The Nina disaster protection app warned the population in Weißenfels and recommended that the windows and doors to be closed.

These events are not to be viewed in isolation. Forest fires are increasing worldwide, not only in Germany's forests. Climate change accelerates the drought and heat periods, which also increases the risk of forest fire in this country, as Statista. In 2023, over 1,200 hectares in Germany were affected by fires. This is also evident internationally in the rising figures, where almost 37,000 fires were recorded in the Brazilian rainforest in the first six months of 2023

attention to forest fire driven

German forests are increasingly at risk. In addition to the increase in forest fires, the causes are also important: the most common reasons are arson and negligence, with many causes remaining unknown. The latest fire in Zerbst shows how quickly such dangers can arise and the need for a prudent and responsible handling of our forests. The fire brigade in the tent has proven a good hand, but the challenges remain considerable in view of the changing climatic conditions.

The incidents in Zerbst could also be seen as a wake -up call in order to raise more awareness of the risks of forest fires. In the past there have been devastating consequences for habitats and the environment, and in this country we are also in demand to actively counteract.