100 hectares affected

Forest fire in Lower Austria: numerous houses evacuated

Wind and drought turned a small field fire in Gänserndorf into an inferno. More than 200 firefighters were called upon.(Bild: Bezirksfeuerwehrkommando Gänserndorf)

A dangerous forest fire is raging in the Gänserndorf area (Lower Austria) (see video above). Numerous houses therefore had to be temporarily evacuated on Monday afternoon. The extinguishing work is proving difficult and is expected to continue until Tuesday. 

According to police spokesman Stefan Loidl, the flames spread in the direction of a settlement in the Gänserndorf-Süd area; according to district commander Georg Schicker, they were brought under control. 

Video: Forest fire in Gänserndorf

34 fire departments in action
34 fire departments with around 230 members and 52 vehicles are in action. "The extinguishing work will continue until Tuesday", said Schicker.

(Bild: zVg)

Initially, a field fire broke out on Monday afternoon. This then spread to a forest fire south-east of Gänserndorf.

(Bild: Imre Antal)

100 hectares affected
According to Schicker, an area of around 100 hectares was affected. It was initially thought to be a smaller area.

Columns of smoke could be seen for kilometers. However, the forest fire appeared to be under control on Monday evening. The first people returned to their homes.(Bild: Bezirksfeuerwehrkommando Gänserndorf)

Around 20 houses were evacuated due to the heavy smoke, reported the district fire brigade commander. There was talk of a precautionary measure.

(Bild: zVg)

19 people and six animals cared for in elementary school
According to Sonja Kellner, spokesperson for the Red Cross of Lower Austria, 19 people and six animals were cared for in the elementary school. The rest of those affected stayed with relatives or friends. The residents were able to return to their homes on Monday evening, Kellner said.

The fire could be sealed off in an uninhabited area, said Schicker. The extinguishing work was underway. The prevailing wind caused problems for the helpers. This fanned the fire again and again.

(Bild: zVg)

"Firefighting is hard work"
"We will certainly be working until Tuesday. Fighting fires is hard work," said the district fire service commander. The affected area is densely overgrown. The rescue service was deployed with several members and vehicles to look after the evacuated residents and support the fire department with a field kitchen, among other things.

"Situation under control"
Deputy Governor Stephan Pernkopf (ÖVP) is in contact with the incident command: "The situation is currently under control, but the fire-fighting work will continue. Thank you to the firefighters for their strenuous efforts. It's good that we are prepared for such situations. Special forces and equipment are also available if required."