Gohrishheide forest still threatened by ongoing blaze
The Gohrisch heath forest fire, currently raging in the border regions of Saxony and Brandenburg, continues to pose a significant threat to several villages. The fire, which has been active for several days, is predominantly located in the heath and forest regions around Gohrisch.
Satellite images indicate a significant burned area spreading across several square kilometers. The extent covers dry heathland and adjacent forested zones, with visible scorch marks and smoke plumes. Active fire fronts are visible in some images, suggesting ongoing burning, while other sections show smoldering or extinguished areas.
The environmental impact of the fire has been substantial. There is a concern about increased soil erosion and air quality due to smoke. The fire has led to substantial loss of vegetation, impacting local flora and fauna habitats.
Firefighting efforts are underway, with ground and aerial operations visible in satellite imagery. The firefighting robot in Heidehäuser is creating firebreaks to prevent the fire from spreading to the village. Four water-dropping helicopters and two water cannons are deployed for firefighting. A bulldozer has created protective strips in Jacobsthal Station, due to the fire threatening to spread to the explosives depot of the ordnance disposal service.
Specialists from Saxony-Anhalt for combating vegetation fires are expected to arrive on Sunday to aid in the firefighting efforts. Precipitation is forecast for Monday and Tuesday, which could help contain the fire.
Evacuations of Jacobsthal Station and Heidehäuser remain in effect, as announced by the Meißen district administration. Smoke and smell reached Berlin due to the wind shift towards Brandenburg. The Nina warning app issued an alert for increased smoke and odor pollution in several Brandenburg districts on Saturday morning.
As of the latest estimates, the affected area by the forest fire is approximately 1.300 hectares. There is currently no immediate danger to residential buildings and power supply facilities in Neudorf and Lichtensee, which were temporarily evacuated a few days ago.
To monitor ongoing updates, platforms like NASA’s FIRMS, ESA’s Sentinel Hub, or commercial satellites provide near real-time fire mapping. Local authorities in Saxony and Brandenburg often release updated maps and situation reports. Regional news channels and environment agencies report on containment progress and evacuation advisories.
The Gohrisch heath, a nature reserve that previously served as a troop training ground for the Soviet Army until 1992, is one of the affected areas. A biogas plant is secured by a water-filled strip.
The highest forest fire risk remains in northern Saxony, including the Gohrischheide region. Ground firefighting is challenging due to the risk of remaining munitions detonating.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing situation.
- The fire in the Gohrisch heath forest, a significant environmental-science concern, is also a general-news topic due to its impact on climate-change through increased smoke and soil erosion.
- Satellite images, instrumental in weather-forecasting and weather observations, have revealed the extent of the fire's destruction, showing burned heathland and forested zones.
- The firefighting efforts, incorporating ground and aerial operations, along with the use of firefighting robots and water-dropping helicopters, indicate science and technology's crucial role in addressing this environmental crisis.
- As the forecast predicts precipitation to aid in containment, there's hope for minimizing accidents, such as potential explosions from remaining munitions, in high-risk areas like Gohrischheide.
