Great forest fire in the South Tyrolean Vinschgau – Diepresse.com
A large forest fire broke out on Thursday afternoon above Prad am Stilfser Joch in the South Tyrolean Vinschgau.
50 to 60 hectares of forest were affected by the flames to see a huge cloud of smoke, the country said. The area was difficult to access, it was hardly there any ways, it said. Around 300 firefighters were deployed, four extinguishing helicopters – including three from Heli Austria – supported them from the air.
According to previous information, a larger residential area was not in danger. However, a courtyard in Stilfs had to be evacuated, even if the fire was still far away. According to those responsible, the procurement of extinguishing water was a special challenge, which must be brought up from far away. In addition, the fire threatened the broadcaster of the Ras, the South Tyrolean broadcasting institution. If this is damaged, television, radio and mobile phone network could fail.
The situation center in the agency for population protection has been set up and in contact with the emergency services on the spot, according to the state of South Tyrol. The control centers in Trento and North Tyrol were informed, since due to the winds, smoke development could also expand to their areas.
Most recently big forest fire in early March
It was only at the beginning of March that the Latsch and Kastelbell municipalities also occurred in the Vinschgau. A large contingent of fire brigades was used for days. 59 of the 90 residents of a hamlet had to be flown out with helicopters. Eleven people were injured. (APA)
