Giant forest fire in Vinschgau: Evacuations by helicopter necessary!

Giant forest fire in Vinschgau: Evacuations by helicopter necessary!

Im Vinschgau, above Latsch in South Tyrol, a devastating forest fire broke out on Thursday. Hundreds of firefighters are in constant use to combat the flames who have already affected about 60 to 70 hectares of forest, as tirol.orf.at . In order to evacuate around 90 residents of the endangered village of St. Martin, helicopters had to be used because the access road was directly affected by the flames. According to the latest reports, eleven people have been injured, including two holidaymakers and a firefighter who suffers primarily from smoke poisoning. Medical help was urgently necessary because the danger of the forest fire was great.

evacuations and extinguishing work

The extinguishing work continued on Friday morning with full strength. From 6:30 a.m., six fire-fighting helicopters and about 300 firefighters were on duty to control the fire, reported Wa.de . Mayor Maura Dalla Barba said that some courtyards are in the immediate vicinity of the fire and he wanted to do anything to secure livelihood. Despite the serious situation, however, there was positive news: the spread of the fire could be contained overnight, and the fire brigade supports cheaper wind conditions.

The strong smoke development and the widely visible cloud of smoke meant that the adjacent Austrian regions such as the Tyrolean Pitztal, were also affected. Local residents there reported smell of fire. The state of Tyrol then sent an official hazard information, which was later deactivated again because there was no immediate danger to the population. The emergency services work with high pressure to extinguish the fire and prevent further damage.