First operations already underway

The forest fire season is already on the horizon

The fight against the fire in the Wildalpen also had to be waged from the water.(Bild: Feuerwehren Lassing und Göstling/Ybbs)

The fire departments were called out to the first operations in the forests unusually early. However, they are equipped for this - with 33 vehicles and 600 specially trained firefighters, among other things.

A burning tree on the Hoher Stein near Krems. A pile of wood on fire in the middle of a forest in Losau in the district of Melk. A fire in a field of elephant grass in Petzenkirchen. Plus an operation in the Wildalpen in Styria, where Florianis from the Wiener Neustadt district were also called out: The forest fire season started unusually early due to the high temperatures.

A tree was on fire at Hoher Stein near Krems - a major forest fire was prevented.(Bild: FF Rossatz)

In Losau in the district of Melk, a pile of wood in the middle of the forest was on fire - danger averted!(Bild: DOKU-NÖ)

Comrades from the Wiener Neustadt district were now on the scene in Styria.(Bild: Feuerwehren Lassing und Göstling/Ybbs)

Although the rapid intervention largely prevented the fire from spreading, the past few days show what the local fire departments could have to face in the coming months.

However, they are already well equipped. "In response to the challenges of climate change, we have implemented a comprehensive initiative in the fight against forest fires," emphasizes the Lower Austrian Fire Brigade Association. One of the core measures was the purchase of 33 forest fire engines. These include 16 rescue vehicles with special equipment and 17 pickups.

In addition, a special service with 600 specially trained firefighters was set up. Cooperation with the fire departments in Portugal is intended to further deepen knowledge of forest fires. The purchase of 56 flexibly deployable roll containers, which have been strategically distributed throughout the country, will also enable a rapid response to a developing sea of flames.

"However, it is also important to raise the public's sense of responsibility," say the Florianis, addressing the consequences of carelessly discarded cigarettes, for example.