Suche
Mein Konto
THW Plauen on a large scale: Together against the risk of forest fires!
Volunteer THW volunteers from Plauen are supporting the fight against forest fires in Gohrischheide, Dresden. Deadline until Wednesday.
THW Plauen on a large scale: Together against the risk of forest fires!
In the early morning hours of July 7, 2025, seven volunteer members of the THW Plauen local branch began their journey to the forest fire damage area in Gohrischheide, near Zeithain. The operation takes place in the midst of a regional forest fire threat, which mobilizes numerous emergency services from Saxony. Loud Spitzestadt.de THW units from various cities such as Aue, Freiberg and Zittau are called in to support the fire department.
After arriving in a collection room in Dresden, the team is relocated to the damage area. The operations are planned up to and including Wednesday, with the tasks being the pumping of water and the storage of fire-fighting water. These coordinated activities impressively demonstrate how voluntary help is organized and carried out effectively in the event of a disaster.
The current status of the extinguishing work
Since July 2nd, the Dresden fire department has been supporting Dresden with emergency services and fire engines that operate in a shift system with twelve-hour shifts. So far, around 665 emergency services from various organizations have been active on site to bring the flames under control. Reports from MDR.de state that around 2,100 hectares are affected, which is a larger area than the annual average in Germany.
In order to further intensify the fire-fighting efforts, the emergency services are relying on modern tactics. A new extinguishing strategy involves allowing the fire to burn in a controlled manner and then taking targeted action against the flames. This method is intended to prevent combustible material from further catching fire.
Restrictions on traffic and support from the air
The local situation also brings with it some logistical challenges. Because of the forest fire, numerous roads were closed, including the B169 between Neudorf and the Heidehäuser junction and the S89 between Heidehäuser and Nieska. Affected residents can find out more by calling 03521 725 7251, which can be reached daily between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
In addition to the ground forces, technical aids are also in use. Firefighting helicopters from the Bundeswehr are supporting the measures from the air, while water cannons from the state police and unmanned firefighting robots are also being used to fight the fire. District Administrator Ralf Hänsel (CDU) has already learned lessons from the 2022 forest fire, and the technical equipment and infrastructure have been improved in order to be better prepared in the future.
Nevertheless, there are political voices that point out the dangerous consequences of budget cuts for the fire departments. The Free Voters warn that such cuts could endanger public services and security.
The situation in Gohrischheide remains tense, but the dedicated emergency services are doing their best to tame the flames and bring safety back to the affected regions as quickly as possible.