Föhrenwald near Markt Piesting: 28 Fire Departments in Major Operation Against Forest Fire

The exact fire area has not yet been conclusively quantified by the fire department. According to initial reports, the Föhrenwald is currently in flames around the operation site; the forest extends across parts of the cadastral communities in the Steinfeld. A concrete damage assessment is to follow in the course of the operation.

Support from Multiple Districts

Fire departments from several Lower Austrian districts were called in for support. In addition to units from the Wiener Neustadt district and the Neunkirchen district, forces from neighboring regions are also deployed. Coordination is handled by the district command in cooperation with the state fire department command.

The weather conditions in the region – summer drought and high temperatures – are hampering the firefighting efforts. The operation management announced that, in addition to tank fire engines, fire engines with larger water tanks are being used to ensure the water supply in the hard-to-reach patch of forest.

Traffic and Safety Measures

The access routes lead via the B4 as well as via municipal roads around St. Egyden. During the major operation, there were disruptions on individual connecting roads; local traffic participants were asked to bypass the area widely.

No injuries have been reported so far, according to information from the operation management. There are also no confirmed details regarding damage to buildings or infrastructure. According to the information, primarily forest areas and individual forest paths are at risk.

Historical Comparison: 1984 Fire

The Föhrenwald near Markt Piesting is no unfamiliar fire area. Devastating flames had already raged there in 1984. As it was stated in the assessment at the time: „Beim Brand 1984 im Föhrenwald bei Markt Piesting waren 72 Hektar betroffen, rund 40 Hektar wurden vollständig zerstört."

Compared to the operational landscapes of other recent forest fires in eastern Austria, such as near Palterndorf-Dobermannsdorf or Hausbrunn in the Gänserndorf district, it becomes apparent that the Steinfeld region is also increasingly suffering from summer drought and elevated forest fire risk.

The emergency services aim to further contain the fire sources and prevent the fire from spreading to neighboring patches of forest. Should the fire not be brought under control quickly, an expansion of the major operation is planned.

Investigation into the Cause Underway

Initial investigations into the cause of the current fire are underway. There are no indications of third-party fault or negligent actions according to initial statements from the emergency services, the district fire department command emphasized. Further findings are expected over the course of the night.