Shifting wind exacerbates situation in forest fire area
Created: 07/28/2022, 2:30 p.m
Bundeswehr helicopters land on the banks of the Elbe to help fight the fires in the Saxon Switzerland National Park.
© Robert Michael/dpa/archive image
Shifting winds from the direction of the Czech Republic have exacerbated the situation in the forest fire area in the Saxon Switzerland National Park.
The fight against the fire is currently aimed at preventing further spread of flames from the neighboring country, as the Saxon Switzerland-Eastern Ore Mountains district office announced on Thursday afternoon.
"The emergency services are doing their utmost to further contain the fire."
Bad Schandau – The district office described the development of the fire as dynamic.
At noon, around 340 firefighters from the Saxon Switzerland-Eastern Ore Mountains district and other districts were on site.
Dozens of workers from various aid organizations take care of the logistics and supply.
The forces are supported by eight fire-fighting helicopters, three other machines for reconnaissance flights and two water cannons from the state police.
According to the district office, a section of the Elbe is closed until 10 p.m. on Thursday for water extraction by fire-fighting helicopters.
According to the information, around 250 hectares of forest are currently on fire.
"The situation is tense," said the spokesman for the affected district, Thomas Kunz.
So far, however, no towns or individual buildings have been evacuated, and there is currently no danger to the population.
According to Kunz, however, there are corresponding concepts that could be implemented quickly.
The fire broke out in the Bohemian Switzerland National Park in the Czech Republic over the weekend and spread to the Saxon Switzerland National Park on Monday.
In Bad Schandau in Saxon Switzerland, a disaster alarm has been in effect since Tuesday.
Tourists should avoid the area.
The forests in the district of Saxon Switzerland-East Ore Mountains may not be entered until further notice.
dpa
