No all-clear: fire in the national park – helicopters also in use on Saturday
In the fire area in the Müritz National Park, hundreds of firefighters continue to fight against the spread of the wildfire. The district announced that Bundeswehr helicopters will be used again from 10:30 a.m. on Saturday. The two CH-53 machines can transport tanks with a volume of around 5,000 liters of water.
The severe thunderstorms predicted for parts of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania initially passed the fire region in the Mecklenburg Lake District in the afternoon without the hoped-for precipitation. Corresponding severe weather warnings for extreme thunderstorms from the German Weather Service have been lifted.
“Little open fire”
On Friday night, the fire area had barely expanded. According to the district, the burning or burned area covers around 362 hectares. From the air “a lot of smoke and embers can be seen, little open fire”. But the all-clear cannot yet be given.
Bundeswehr helicopters were in action again on Friday, collecting water from surrounding lakes with attached 5,000 liter tanks and using it to water certain forest areas. They also have to keep a safety distance of 1,000 meters from the actual fire because of old ammunition on the former military training area.
Lakes closed due to water withdrawal
No swimmers, paddlers or boats are allowed on the lakes that serve as water intake points. According to the district, this applies to Dambecker See, Granziner See, Käbelicksee and Priestbäker See.
According to the spokesman, the containment of the fire with circular sprinklers that water the area is taking place primarily in three sections: in the north near the town of Speck, near the town of Granzin, which is still being evacuated, and along the Rostock-Berlin railway line.
The fire was reported on Monday. The cause is still unclear. The operation has been running since then, with more than 300 personnel at last, according to information from Friday morning. Since it is a former military training area contaminated with ammunition, fighting the fire is difficult.
© dpa-infocom, dpa:260717-930-399032/3