Disaster alarm! Huge forest fire in Germany threatens regions

Disaster alarm! Huge forest fire in Germany threatens regions

Gotha, Deutschland - A large forest fire is out of control in Germany and has caused an alarm in various regions. The district of Gösseldorf had to call for the disaster because the situation in the area and especially in Thuringia and Bavaria is worrying. According to Merkur are currently in use, and another 100 were requested to combat the fires.

The fire on the Saalfeld Höhe in Thuringia now affects around 250 hectares. The smoke development that extends over several counties is particularly worrying, including Sonneberg, Saale-Orla-Kreis, Kronach, Kulmbach and Hof. The population was asked to close windows and doors and switch off ventilation and air conditioning systems in order to protect themselves from the harmful flue gases. No special protective measures in the Hof district currently have to be taken, and a health risk is excluded.

storm and aftermath

The current heat wave has increased the risk of forest fire considerably, while after a short fresh shower there are also thunderstorms in southern Germany. The German Weather Service warned of severe thunderstorms and hail, which, however, caused a certain cooling. Fire herds are also active in Saxony and Brandenburg. The forest fire in Gohrischheide on the border with Brandenburg has expanded to around 600 hectares, which is synonymous with an increase in the area. There are more than 200 emergency services in the fight against the flames.

Another fire monster was reported to Jüterbog in Brandenburg, where the fire is now under control. However, the firefighters in Thuringia make the alarm, where wind and supply problems make the extinguishing work difficult.

protective measures and mobility

Air support, especially helicopter, is challenged by the fire brigade association president Karl-Heinz Banse. Helicopters are more flexible than fire aircraft, which could be of crucial importance in the current situation. Air support remains an essential part of the extinguishing work, especially in the regions affected by Rauch. The railway has also not been spared the events: traffic is affected on two routes in the Schmalkalden-Meiningen and Gotha district, which means that ICE trains have to be redirected and by Frankfurt. Passengers have to expect delays of up to two hours.

Overall, the situation in Germany is dramatic because several forest fires have to be combated at the same time. The last few days have illustrated: The combination of extreme heat and the resulting weather phenomena presents the emergency services with a major challenge. The situation remains tense and further developments are to be seen.