Forest fire in Thuringia: 300 hectares affected, no health risk!

Forest fire in Thuringia: 300 hectares affected, no health risk!

The forest fire that broke out on Wednesday, July 3rd at Saalfelder Höhe in Thuringia is causing great excitement in the region. Loud Thuringia24 An area of ​​around 250 hectares is affected. The fire, which triggered a disaster alert around 5:30 p.m., quickly spread in two directions, calling over 300 firefighters to the scene. They are also supported by a firefighting helicopter.

The drastic effects of the fire are felt far beyond the country's borders. In Thuringia, especially in the districts of Sonneberg and the Saale-Orla district, as well as in Bavaria, in Kronach, Kulmbach and Hof, there were warnings about heavy smoke. Since the winds blow from a certain direction, the smell of burning is noticeable even in the Kulmbach district Kulmbach district reported.

Current situation and precautionary measures

The situation remains tense as the fire is still not under control. According to the latest news, numerous embers have formed in the forest area, making extinguishing work more difficult. Firefighters are currently keeping watch and extinguishing work will continue on Thursday morning, even though there are no longer visible flames. Despite rain that fell during the night, the situation remains critical because the fire could not be defused.

The population is urged to keep windows and doors closed and to turn off ventilation and air conditioning to avoid health risks. In Kronach, possible health risks cannot be ruled out, while in the Hof district there is no such risk. Fortunately, the air measurements from the Bavarian State Office for the Environment (LfU) show that the air quality is harmless for the citizens in the Kulmbach district, so that there is no health risk.

A look at forest fire statistics

The forest has many functions, from use to protection to recreation. Therefore, the protection and preservation of forests in Germany is of great importance given the high population density. Nationwide statistics that have been kept by the federal administration since the 1970s shed light on area sizes, causes and losses caused by forest fires. Such data will help reduce the number and area size of wildfires in the future, such as this Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture explained.

The responsible authorities in Thuringia and Bavaria are in close communication in order to deal with the situation in the best possible way and to provide all necessary information in a timely manner. The public is asked to follow current reports carefully and follow the instructions of the fire department.