Forest fire on the chunk: Emergency forces hope for redeeming rain

Forest fire on the chunk: Emergency forces hope for redeeming rain

In a dramatic effort, the fire brigade fights against a large forest fire. The situation seems to be stabilized and the operations managers give great hopes for an upcoming change of weather that could bring rain from Sunday evening. According to the district fire chief of the Harz district, Kai-Uwe Lohse, a transition from the large weather situation for Monday, which may bring a decisive turn in the fight against the fire.

Currently warm temperatures are still dominating because hot air masses flow from the south to Saxony-Anhalt. These make the extinguishing actions considerably more difficult. From late Sunday evening, however, a significant change in weather will be announced, which is associated with heavy rain and possibly even storms. Meteorologists from the German Weather Service warn that up to 40 liters of rain per square meter could fall in the shortest possible time.

emergency services mobilize additional resources

The extinguishing work was temporarily interrupted on Sunday night. On this day, on the other hand, the fire -fighting aircraft and helicopters are ready to make their decisive contribution. Another helicopter from the Bundeswehr arrived on Saturday evening, and an additional one is expected for Sunday. A spokesman from Wernigerode was optimistic: from 8 a.m. a maximum of flying extinguishing resources should be expected, with a total of eight helicopter and four aircraft in use to combat the flames.

There were over 250 emergency services on Saturday, including aircraft, helicopter and support teams from neighboring counties and the technical relief organization. An impressive cohesion in coping with the crisis, which underlines a coordinated reaction to the impending danger.

evacuations and safety instructions for residents

The forest fire, which broke out on Friday on the Königsberg, a minor crop of the Brocken, has expanded to a length of around 1,000 meters. In view of the danger, the affected area remains closed to civilians. The residents in Braunlage, Torfhaus and the surrounding areas were asked to keep windows and doors closed to protect themselves from smoke development. On Friday, around 500 people were evacuated by bus to ensure that everyone is safe.

The train traffic of the Harz narrow -gauge railways between three Annen Hohne and the Brocken was discontinued up to and including Sunday so as not to put any further strain on the emergency services and to ensure the safety of passengers. The situation remains tense, but the emergency services are determined to control the fire.

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