Preliminary "Fire Out" in Rax Area Fire - Emergency Services on Standby
In the forest fire in the Schwarzau im Gebirge area in the Rax-Schneeberg region (Neunkirchen district), a preliminary "fire out" has been declared. The area will continue to be monitored twice daily with drone flights, and the local fire department remains on standby, said district commander Josef Huber to the APA on Tuesday. The danger of spreading has been averted. The fire started on Saturday.
Burned Area Monitored with Drones
With the help of drone flights, it will now be preliminarily checked in the morning and afternoon whether embers are forming. "Something keeps flaring up, and that will also be the case in the coming days." The local fire department remains ready for action just in case. "We will observe the burned area gradually and regularly," Huber anticipated.
200 Firefighters Deployed on Monday
Around 200 firefighters were deployed in the difficult terrain on Monday. "A lot of progress was made with the ground work," the district commander expressed satisfaction. During the operation, according to Huber, some members sustained minor injuries, such as to the ankle.
The fire broke out on Saturday morning. The cause is believed to be a burning vehicle. Due to the strong wind, the flames spread to a nearby forest area and quickly expanded. By Sunday afternoon, the fire was brought under control, and the affected area was limited to around eight hectares.
Up to 340 Emergency Personnel and Five Firefighting Helicopters Required
The peak number of deployed helpers was recorded on Saturday with 340, and on this day, five firefighting helicopters were also in the air. In total, according to the Lower Austria Fire Brigade Association, over 1,000 forces - primarily from the Neunkirchen district - were deployed with more than 200 vehicles. They were supported by six firefighting helicopters and special services of the state fire brigade association.
Fire Brigade and State Praise Achievements
"The acquisition of additional equipment and the training of the team have shown results. The performance of our volunteer fire brigade members was outstanding, they worked highly professionally - despite the dangerous conditions," summarized state fire brigade commander Dietmar Fahrafellner. Deputy Governor Stephan Pernkopf (ÖVP) also found words of praise and thanks for the helpers. He highlighted operations manager Huber, who "once again demonstrated his experience and expertise".
Already in 2021, a massive forest fire had challenged the emergency services in the district, and Huber was also the operations manager at that time. On October 25, 2021, a fire broke out at Mittagsteig in Hirschwang in the market town of Reichenau an der Rax. An area of around 115 hectares was affected, and a total of almost 9,000 helpers were deployed. According to fire brigade information, one of the most complex firefighting operations in the field of forest fire fighting in recent decades developed in steep and rocky terrain. It was not until November 6, 2021, that the fire was declared extinguished.
Forest Fire Regulations in Effect in Several Districts
Due to the ongoing danger, forest fire regulations are now in effect in Lower Austria in the districts of Baden, Bruck an der Leitha, Lilienfeld, Mödling, St. Pölten, Wiener Neustadt, Scheibbs, as well as in the statutory city of Wiener Neustadt. Violations can be punished with fines of up to 7,270 euros or four weeks of substitute imprisonment. "Everyone can help protect our forests," appealed Deputy Governor Pernkopf.
(APA/Red)
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