Forest and meadow fire in Waldaschaff spreads to 30 hectares

According to the fire department, a forest and meadow fire in Waldaschaff in Lower Franconia has spread to around 30 hectares. Hundreds of emergency services have been fighting the fire since Saturday afternoon and continued to search for embers after it was extinguished. Two helicopters that dropped fire-fighting water were involved. Farmers also supported with water transport. The operation continued on Sunday.

In particular, any spillover into buildings should be prevented on Saturday. According to the fire department, several houses were evacuated as a precaution. Around 80 people were temporarily accommodated in a sports hall. After the situation had stabilized and there was no longer any danger to the residential development, the residents were able to return.

On duty all night long

The extinguishing measures were effective in the evening, so that the fire no longer spread during the night, as a fire department spokesman said. Around 200 emergency services carried out extinguishing work during the night in the area, which was sometimes difficult to reach, to prevent a flare-up.

In order to completely extinguish deeper pockets of embers, the forest floor has to be opened in numerous places by hand using special forest fire tools, explained the spokesman. The high summer temperatures, the impassable terrain and the physically demanding work put a considerable strain on the work.

Five injured

Since the start of the operation, around 800 people have been involved in the work. Five firefighters and a passerby were injured.

The fire department thanked the population who provided the emergency services with food and drinks. At the same time, the operations management asked that no independent measures be taken in the affected area.

There is a ban on entry into the forest fire area. For example, falling trees or falling branches could pose a risk to life. The cause of the fire is unclear. The police are investigating.