Raging Forest Fire Threatens Gohrishheide - Areas Remain Under Threat
The forest fire in the Gohrisch Heath, a nature reserve situated at the border of Saxony and Brandenburg, has escalated to the highest warning level of 5. This means that the risk of a fire spreading is extremely high, and special measures are being taken to combat the blaze.
The fire, which has been burning for several days, has temporarily evacuated the villages of Neudorf and Lichtensee. As of now, there is no immediate danger to the residential area and the power supply in these villages. Evacuations of Jacobsthal Bahnhof and Heidehäuser, as announced by the Meißen district administration, remain in effect.
Specialists from Saxony-Anhalt for combating vegetation fires are expected to arrive on Sunday to assist with the firefighting efforts. Currently, around 700 personnel are involved in the operation, with four fire-fighting helicopters and two water cannons deployed.
The fire in Heidehäuser is creating firebreaks to prevent it from spreading to the village. Meanwhile, a fire-fighting robot and a police water cannon are in operation in the same area. However, ground firefighting is challenging due to the risk of remaining ammunition detonating, as the Gohrisch Heath served as a troop training ground for the Soviet Army until 1992.
Satellite images are being evaluated to determine the extent of the forest fire. The district administration has reported the fire to be approximately 200 hectares, while firefighters on the scene estimate it to be around 1,000 hectares, with Sachsenforst estimating it at approximately 1,300 hectares.
Smoke plumes from the forest fire have reached Berlin, and the Nina warning app issued an alert on Saturday morning for increased smoke and odor nuisance in certain Brandenburg districts. A biogas plant in the vicinity is secured by a watered strip.
The fire also continues to flare up in Neudorf and Lichtensee, which were temporarily evacuated a few days ago. The fire threatens to spread to the explosive ordnance disposal's firing range in the village of Jacobsthal Bahnhof.
Precipitation is forecast for Monday and Tuesday, which could help contain the forest fire. It is essential to monitor official regional emergency services or news sources specialized in Saxony and Brandenburg for precise and current updates on the Gohrisch Heath forest fire situation.
- More specialists in environmental science, specifically those experienced in combating vegetation fires, are needed to aid in the effort to control the forest fire in Gohrisch Heath.
- The escalating forest fire in Gohrisch Heath has not only raised concerns about climate change but also highlighted the importance of weather forecasting and preparedness.
- General news outlets should focus on the impact of the forest fire on the local environment and the measures being taken to prevent it from spreading, not just the crime and justice aspect related to the risk of accidents due to the remaining ammunition.
- As the forest fire creates an urgent need for accurate weather forecasting, it is crucial for meteorologists to provide precise information about the expected precipitation that could potentially help in containment efforts.
