A relaxation of the situation, let alone an end to the fight against the forest fire in Hirschwang in Lower Austria, was not in sight on Friday either. Rather, the situation in the eastern part of the affected area worsened during the night. Another fire broke out. The extinguishing work on Friday mainly focused on this area. In the meantime, the forest fire has injured a total of four. Considerations of receiving support from two Canadair fire-fighting planes from Italy in the fight against the flames had to be discarded.
On day five of the fire fighting operation in the Rax area, in which hundreds of emergency services have been participating since Monday, the fight against the flames continues unabated. While in the Höllental, among other things, a defensive front consisting of large tank fire engines with water cannons has prevented the flames from spreading to the Rax since Wednesday, the flames flared up again in the eastern area on Friday night.
“Combat only possible from the air”
Burning rhizomes had rolled down the valley during the night and set another piece of forest on fire. “At the moment it is only possible to fight from the air there,” said Operations Manager Josef Huber on Friday morning to the “Krone”. This was already in full swing with several helicopters. The situation was under control, it was said on Friday morning. Just like the extinguishing work in the western area on the border with the Rax. There you can continue to fight the embers from the ground for the time being, says Huber, as there is still no wind for the time being.
Canadair fire-fighting aircraft cannot be used
In the fight against the forest fire, the possibility of requesting two Canadair fire-fighting planes from Italy was also examined on Friday. However, these need a lake to absorb water. Lake Neusiedl was initially targeted as the recording location, but the plans “after exploring the possibilities” were ultimately discarded for the time being. “The refueling of fire-fighting water would not have worked because of the bow wave,” said a firefighter to the “Krone”.
Already four injured
There are now four people injured in the forest fire. After the forest worker, who sustained injuries on Tuesday, three firefighters were injured in the course of the fire-fighting operation. As the “Krone” found out, it is a matter of minor burns that the helpers suffered, another suffered an injury to his ankle and had to be flown out by helicopter.
Wind is picking up, rain not until next week
But the wind in particular could quickly worsen the situation, because it is expected to gain strength again on Friday. The rain is also longed for, but according to the forecasts, precipitation is still a long time coming. Rain showers are only forecast for Monday.