Major fire in Gohrischheide: THW Bautzen is fighting the flames!

Major fire in Gohrischheide: THW Bautzen is fighting the flames!

In the turbulent situation surrounding the major fire in Gohrischheide in the Meißen district, emergency services continue to be called upon. The flames have been in full force since Tuesday afternoon, and the smell of smoke is reaching as far as Upper Lusatia. The volunteer fire department, supported by numerous aid organizations, is fighting the elementary threat, which has worsened since Thursday evening. The THW Bautzen local association provided crucial support with a high-performance pump. The first THW members started their journey at 11.30 p.m. to help with the water supply Sächsische.de.

THW Bautzen brought along a specialty: a large pump called “Hannibal”, which works with an impressive 5,000 liters of water per minute and can fill or empty a standard bathtub in no time. In addition, the Bautzen emergency services provide 24,000 liter bladders that serve as flexible water storage. These foldable large containers have a capacity equivalent to approximately 160 bathtubs. These water reserves are strategically provided and buffered to combat major fires.

Cooperative effort

However, the extinguishing activities in Gohrischheide are not only supported by the THW. More than 500 emergency services from the fire department, the Bundeswehr and various aid organizations are working on site. This includes 360 emergency services who helped contain the flames in the direction of neighboring towns during the night. According to recent reports, the situation has calmed down somewhat as lower temperatures and calm winds improve conditions. However, there is also the dangerous possibility that extinguished sources of fire could flare up again, which could cause the fire to reignite, as MDR.de notes.

A federal police helicopter dropped around 63,000 liters of fire-fighting water on Thursday, while the Bundeswehr sent two fire-fighting helicopters to fight the fire. The emergency services make use of the terrain, but they have to be careful about where they are allowed to fly, as the ground is sometimes contaminated with old ammunition. For this reason, air support is only deployed over previously identified fire areas.

The challenge of environmental conditions

The extinguishing work is not only made more difficult by the fiery element itself, but also by the surrounding area, which is still contaminated with old ammunition. This presents the emergency services with additional challenges. As a precautionary measure, the city of Dresden has issued a general order prohibiting entry into the forest in forest fire danger levels 4 and 5. Parking outside designated parking areas, especially at the edge of the forest, is also not permitted.

There is hope that the situation will improve with the impending rain on Sunday or Monday. Until then, everyone is urged to keep their eyes open and follow the orders of the emergency services. The THW Bautzen, which has up to 69 active members, is regularly called upon to respond to floods and storms, and shows once again how important their role is in crisis situations, as THW.de makes clear.