Drones against flames: Fire brigade operation in Machtilshausen successful!

Drones against flames: Fire brigade operation in Machtilshausen successful!

On Saturday afternoon there was a challenging fire incident in the Bad Kissingen district. As the first emergency services arrived, it was already apparent that there was a large column of smoke and that the fire was spreading into wooded areas near Machtilshausen. The difficult weather conditions and the drought contributed to the alarming fire development, which led to the alert level being raised to “forest fire”. This resulted in additional firefighters being mobilized to prevent the fire from spreading further Franconian day reported.

A total of around 168 emergency services were involved in the operation, including firefighters from various towns such as Machtilshausen, Elfershausen, Langendorf and Hammelburg. Due to the impassable hillside location, access to the source of the fire was considerably more difficult. The emergency services worked in four different sections and supported each other, with the district fire inspection taking over the management of the operation and a special support group being provided for radio processing and documentation.

Use under difficult conditions

The water supply faced challenges, but these were successfully overcome. Tank fire engines, including those from the Bundeswehr Fire Department Hammelburg, transported crucial water resources, while farmers contributed to the water supply with their trailers. The local population also came to the emergency services' aid by bringing drinks and sandwiches to the scene. A sports center nearby also provided another contact point for those helping.

During the approximately five-hour operation, one emergency worker was injured and had to be taken to hospital in an ambulance. Nevertheless, the fire was quickly brought under control, thanks to the quick response of the fire department and the extensive cooperation of the forces involved. The heatwaves and associated vegetation fires intensified by climate change require increasingly rapid and effective responses, as do the** Safe fire brigade ** initiative clarified. The increase in vegetation fires in Germany is a challenge that often concerns fire departments and aid organizations.

Risk management and prevention

The increase in vegetation fires poses significant risks for emergency services. Experts emphasize the need for careful risk assessment and wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). The German Statutory Accident Insurance (DGUV) emphasizes that climate change and extreme weather conditions are leading to an increase in the frequency of operations, which increases the risks during such operations DGUV has determined.

In 2023, Germany experienced the highest number of forest fires in decades, meaning firefighters are increasingly finding themselves battling large fires. Accurate planning and the right measures to prevent injuries are paramount to addressing risks, including exposure to harmful substances. These challenges are being addressed through projects such as the Fire Department ExpoScreening, which aims to close knowledge gaps and significantly minimize the exposure of emergency responders.