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. 34 fire departments with more than 230 members and 52 vehicles were deployed. “The fire-fighting work will last until tomorrow,” said Schicker.
100 hectares affected
First, a field fire started on Monday afternoon. This then spread to a forest fire southeast of Gänserndorf. According to Schicker, an area of around 100 hectares was affected. Initially, it was assumed that the area was smaller.
Image: (APA/DOKU-NÖ)
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Image: (APA/DOKU-NÖ)
Due to the heavy smoke, around 20 houses were evacuated, reported the district fire chief. It was said that this was a precautionary measure. According to Sonja Kellner, spokeswoman for the Red Cross in Lower Austria, 19 people and six animals were cared for in the elementary school. The rest of those affected were accommodated by relatives or friends. The residents were able to return to their homes on Monday evening, said Kellner.
The fire was contained in an uninhabited area, said Schicker. Firefighting operations were underway. The prevailing wind caused problems for the helpers. This kept fanning the flames. “We will certainly be on duty until tomorrow. Fighting the fire is hard work,” said the district fire chief. The affected area is densely overgrown. The rescue team was deployed with several members and vehicles to look after the evacuated residents and to support the fire brigade with a field kitchen, among other things.
“It’s good that we are prepared for such situations. If necessary, special forces and equipment are also available,” said Deputy Governor Stephan Pernkopf (ÖVP) and thanked his comrades.
Images shared on social media showed huge columns of smoke, and the municipality called on residents to keep their windows closed.
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