- A forest fire in the Austrian Carinthian Lesachtal has gotten out of control, affecting up to 110 hectares of forest.
- Around 220 emergency services and six helicopters are fighting the flames – the operation is expected to last several days.
- The situation is also tense in Switzerland: Danger level 4 applies in several regions in the canton of Graubünden.
There is a high risk of forest fires in parts of Switzerland. According to Meteo Switzerland, it is assumed that around 90 percent of the time there are forest fires through human error (throwing away glowing cigarette butts, not completely extinguishing barbecue fires, etc.) and only 10 percent are caused by nature (lightning strikes).
Forest fire in the Alps out of control
How quickly such a fire can spreadis currently evident in neighboring Austria. A forest fire there got out of control. The flames are spreading rapidly in Carinthia’s Lesachtal. Shortly before noon on Saturday, the fire burned in an area of 110 hectares. The area is approximately the size of 150 football fields.
Six helicopters, around 40 fire departments and around 220 emergency services are fighting the fire. The authorities assume that the operation will last several days. This was announced by the state alarm and warning center.
Ground troops can hardly intervene
The fire broke out east of Maria Luggau on Thursday around 9 p.m. The extreme dryness in the region encouraged rapid spread.
The fire department told the Austrian news agency APA on Friday morning that ground teams could hardly intervene: “At the moment there is relatively little that ground teams can do, which is why more helicopters have been requested.” The flames quickly spread upwards in the steep terrain. wind and strong smoke development This made extinguishing work even more difficult, as the Hermagor district fire brigade command announced.
Recommendations for behavior before a forest fire
- Find out about the local danger situation if you want to light a fire outdoors.
- Be sure to comply with fire bans.
- Pay attention to information from the Internet, radio and television as well as in newspapers.
- If there are strong or gusty winds, avoid having a fire outdoors.
- Never throw away burning cigarettes and matches.
- Use permanently set up fire pits when grilling.
- Constantly monitor the fire and immediately extinguish any sparks.
- Only leave grills/fireplaces and their surroundings when they have been completely extinguished.
- Only set off fireworks in places with the express permission of the local municipality.
Source: Meteo Switzerland
There is sometimes a great risk of forest fires in Switzerland
In Switzerland, the risk of forest fires is currently highest, especially in the canton of Graubünden. Danger level 4 applies in several regions. This means great danger. Affected are Bergell, Moesano, Puschlav, San Bernardino, Scuol Valsot, Val Müstair and Zernez.
In addition to the regions with great danger, danger level 3 currently applies in other parts of Graubünden, i.e. there is a significant risk of forest fires. Regions in the canton of Ticino, the canton of Valais and the canton of Glarus are also affected.
How careful are you when lighting fires or smoking outdoors?
Jonas Bucher is a publisher and deputy co-head of the news desk at 20 Minutes. He has been working in the media industry for 25 years and has always remained loyal to 20 Minutes.
