Large forest fire in the Bavarian Alps, three helicopters deployed
Residents are advised to keep windows closed and turn off air conditioning and fans; the B305 road is closed between Reit im Winkl and Markwartstein.
A large forest fire broke out in the Bavarian Alps and prompted warnings about thick smoke and the risk of further spread, while rescue services are trying to locate the blaze in a difficult-to-access mountainous area.
According to reports, the fire is burning near the mountain Lackenbergwand, close to the settlement of Unterwiesen, on the slopes of the peak Hochwand at an altitude of nearly 1,000 metres.
Three helicopters are engaged in firefighting, conducting water drops and aerial reconnaissance, while ground teams are facing serious problems due to the inaccessibility of the terrain. The Traunstein district fire department said a large-scale operation is underway to contain the flames and noted that the operation could last for weeks.
Protective measures and traffic restrictions
- Vehicles cannot reach the hot spot, said the fire department spokesperson, pointing out that the inaccessible terrain is the main obstacle to the intervention.
Because vehicles could not reach the hot spot, water supply by tankers was organized, and the helicopters are providing the main aerial effort. This incident recalls the fire near Zauriselkopf close to Ruhpolding in May, which was brought under control after a month.
Residents in the wider area are advised to keep windows and doors closed and to turn off air conditioning and ventilation due to the dense smoke. The B305 regional road is closed in both directions between Reit im Winkl and Markwartstein.
The cause of the fire and its full extent are still unknown, and there are no reports of injuries. The German Weather Service warns of an increased risk of wildfires in the coming days, especially in the states of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, and aerial observers have been deployed in some regions.
Photo: press material from the event
