Schönebeck/Calbe. “Given the scale of the fire and the high temperatures, this operation presented an extremely demanding physical and mental challenge. Whilst many people tried to cope with the heat in light clothing or went for a swim, our colleagues donned their fire-resistant suits and breathing apparatus to tackle the blaze. Support staff were also on standby. We can be proud of all those who, at the risk to their own health, are always on hand to help. Time and again, we see just how important voluntary work is, particularly within the fire service and aid organisations.”
We should therefore all ensure that our comrades and emergency services always have the best possible conditions. This not only includes the equipment. For me, this includes above all an attractive living and business environment. After all, it is only when people live and work here that they are available for such an important voluntary service in the first place. That is why it has been my philosophy from the very beginning to think and act together in the areas of housing, business and science in the Salzland district."
The district administrator also thanked his colleagues at the integrated control centre, who acted prudently and quickly. "Once again, we have seen that the alerting processes work. That is the basis for effective firefighting."
The first alarm was raised at 4.02 pm. Due to the spread of the fire, three sections were formed, each led by the Schönebeck, Barby and Calbe fire brigades. The deputy district fire chief Tino Puder was also on duty. In addition to the high temperatures, one of the challenges was to ensure the supply of extinguishing water over a total length of around six kilometres between Schönebeck and Calbe. Farmers also helped with this. We would also like to thank them for their efforts. Most of the fires were extinguished by around 8 pm. Some pockets of embers still had to be extinguished during the night by the relevant fire brigades.
Based on the assessment of the situation, the following units were alerted immediately:
The fire brigades from Calbe, Schwarz, Tornitz/Werkleitz, Breitenhagen, Groß Rosenburg, Lödderitz, Sachsendorf, Barby, Brumby, Nienburg, Biere, Kleinmühlingen/Zens, Bernburg, Gnadau and the THW from Bernburg were deployed with vehicles that were able to provide support with 12,000 litres of water, as well as the standby team from the fire service technical centre in Staßfurt and the Aken fire brigade from Anhalt-Bitterfeld. The basis for the support from Aken is the exceptional fire engine with a 9,000 litre water tank available there. A total of 162 firefighters with 38 vehicles were deployed.
The fire brigades from Schönebeck, Bad Salzelmen, Felgeleben, Pretzien/Plötzky, Elbenau, Ranies, Welsleben and Gommern were deployed in the Schönebeck section. A total of 92 firefighters with 22 vehicles were deployed.
In the course of the operation, the rescue services and disaster control units Care I and Medical I of the Salzland district were also alerted to provide better medical care: these were the rescue services of Johanniter Unfallhilfe Calbe and Schönebeck, the rescue services of DRK Staßfurt, Schönebeck and Bernburg. The aid organisations were deployed with a total of 50 emergency personnel and 17 vehicles.
A number of emergency personnel required medical treatment on site due to exhaustion. Two people were injured, one of whom is currently still being monitored in hospital.
So far, I only have initial information from the control centre about the possible cause of the fire. According to this, flying sparks from a train could have initially led to a vegetation fire and later to a wildfire covering an area of around 30 hectares.