"Challenging Operation"

Firefighting Helicopter Over Vienna: Wildfire in Lobau

In eastern Vienna, the Lobau is on fire; residents of surrounding homes may even be evacuated.(Bild: Krone-Collage/Leserreporter Thomas Grunt)

Major operation in Vienna’s Lobau! Due to the ongoing drought, a forest fire had escalated into a massive blaze. The firefighting helicopter was in operation throughout Tuesday afternoon. Police urged residents to stay indoors. 

The exact extent of the wildfire near the Esslinger Furt remains unclear. However, the smoke was clearly visible for kilometers. A firefighting helicopter was also called in on Tuesday afternoon. The Federal Ministry of the Interior supported the firefighting efforts, and fire departments from Vienna and Lower Austria were on the scene. 

Around 6:45 p.m., the fire was finally brought under control, though the danger had not yet been completely averted. According to a statement to the “Krone,” while the number of emergency personnel could now be reduced, firefighting efforts are still ongoing. 

Video footage shows the BMI helicopter drawing water from the nearby Mühlwasser—right in front of swimmers seeking relief from the heat.  

Lobau Oil Terminal Not in Danger
A total of about nine fire departments were on the scene. As fire department spokesperson Lukas Schauer of the Vienna Professional Fire Department explained on Tuesday afternoon, the operation was “extremely challenging due to the high temperatures,” he told the “Krone”: “The wind is a major problem.” 

In eastern Vienna, the Lobau is on fire; residents of surrounding homes may even have to be evacuated.(Bild: Krone-Collage/Leserreporter Thomas Grunt)

However, the Lobau oil terminal is not in danger, officials said. Employees of the Vienna Forestry Office (MA 49) and the police were also on site; the operation was coordinated and is expected to continue into the night. 

Residents are advised to pack “documents and essentials”
In the meantime, witnesses contacted the “Krone,” reporting that the police had already notified residents to pack their essentials. Later, however, the all-clear was given: An evacuation was not necessary. People were simply asked to stay in their homes.