In the fight against the raging forest fire in Hirschwang in the Lower Austrian market town of Reichenau an der Rax, aircraft from abroad that are to be piloted by “top-class specialists” will be used. Two Canadair machines of the type CL-415 of the Italian government are to help with the extinguishing work, as well as two special helicopters from Germany are expected. The aircraft should take off in the evening hours or from Sunday morning to bring the situation under control.
According to Deputy Governor Stephan Pernkopf (ÖVP), the two Canadair planes from Italy each have a capacity of around 7,000 liters and have already landed in Vienna Schwechat. The first reconnaissance flights are now being carried out with their pilots. Not only the area of use should be assessed in this way, the search for a suitable water intake point is also carried out in this way. However, it is likely that the required water will be taken from the New Danube. Ultimately, the pilots – “top-class specialists”, as noted – also decide on the exact take-off points. The special helicopters that will arrive on Sunday hold 5000 liters each.
Saturday is “Large operation day”
There are now ten helicopters in the air over the Rax area, six from the Ministry of Defense and four from the police. Two helicopters are aircraft with a capacity of up to 3000 liters. According to the state fire brigade commander Dietmar Fahrafellner, “40 forest fire fighters are deployed in the rough terrain”. The total number of emergency services was 750 on Saturday. Fire fighters from numerous districts of Lower Austria are on duty. Six flight assistants from Salzburg fire brigades were also on the spot on Saturday, and special forces from Styria were also requested.
Video: Forest fire keeps emergency services in suspense
“Strong fanning of the fire”
According to the state fire brigade commander Dietmar Fahrafellner, another 500 forces are deployed, including “40 forest fire fighters in rough terrain”. On Friday night there was a “strong kindling of the fire”. Now the flames would have to be fought once more “from several sides”. A so-called defense line has now also been built on the ridge to prevent the flames from jumping over and thus preventing further spread.
The flames broke out on Monday. As a result, the fire spread extremely quickly. It is assumed that an “external ignition source” is responsible for the fire.