Red alert in Gohrischheide: Forest fire is spreading!

Red alert in Gohrischheide: Forest fire is spreading!

A dramatic situation is brewing in the Gohrischheide region. The emergency services are currently at full speed to fight a violent forest fire. How MDR reported, the number of firefighters increased from 156 to 180 to meet the growing challenges. This happened on the orders of Zeithain Mayor Mirko Pollmer, who spoke of a second fire that was spreading quickly.

Farmers in the region are now also being asked to plow or clear their fields in order to create protective strips and contain the fire. Nevertheless, the situation remains tense, as two emergency services from Brandenburg have already suffered serious injuries. Interior Minister René Wilke reports burns while 65 firefighters from Brandenburg are working to fight the flames.

Evacuations and major damage situation

The Meißen district declared a major disaster at 5 p.m. under the direction of district fire chief Thomas Fischer. A fire is spreading quickly in the Heidehäuser district, which is why residents are being asked to leave their buildings in the direction of Lichtensee. An evacuation of the local residential home, which is responsible for children and young people with disabilities, is also being prepared. Residents should be prepared for the fact that they may have to leave their usual four walls.

However, there is also something positive to report: The fire has so far had no impact on the Bundeswehr site or the material depot there. There is currently no discussion about support for the fire-fighting work, which should ease the fears of some residents. Maria Mittrach from the Kamenz Technical Relief Agency also takes care of catering for the emergency services on site.

Dangerous circumstances in Brandenburg

In neighboring Brandenburg, the situation remains no less serious. Loud Daily Mirror Although large forest fires in Treuenbrietzen and Kleinbahren are now under control, the fire department is preparing for the possibility that existing embers could flare up again. A threat from Saxony could spread to Brandenburg.

The risk of forest fires is high, and experts warn that the highest danger level is 5 in the Elbe-Elster district, so the situation must continue to be monitored closely. A quick look at the German Weather Service's Forest Fire Danger Index (WBI) shows that the situation remains critical and makes it clear that increased vigilance is still required, especially in the coming days as there is no rain in sight.

• Waldbrandgefahrenindex (WBI) – Stufen:
• 1 = sehr geringe Gefahr
• 2 = geringe Gefahr
• 3 = mittlere Gefahr
• 4 = hohe Gefahr
• 5 = sehr hohe Gefahr

The responsibility for assessing the risk of forest fires lies with the state authorities, and at the moment the situation is anything but relaxed. One can only hope that changes in the weather could soon provide relief. Until then, the region remains on alert.