Huge woodland blaze demands presence of 300 firefighters to tackle the inferno
A massive plume of smoke from a forest fire at the Stelvio Pass in South Tyrol's Vinschgau was visible from afar on Thursday afternoon. The fire, which affects approximately 50 to 60 hectares of forest, has been causing concern for the local community and authorities.
The Department for Civil Protection and Security of the Autonomous Province of Bolzano - South Tyrol, responsible for disaster protection in the region, has been coordinating and managing the response to the fire. A large contingent of firefighters, numbering around 300, has been on the scene for days, battling the blaze.
Four water-dropping helicopters, including three from Heli Austria, have been providing air support in the fight against the fire. Obtaining firefighting water has been a particular challenge due to its need to be flown in from far away.
The crisis center in the Agency for Civil Protection has been set up and is in constant contact with the forces on site. The fire has threatened the transmitter of the RAS, South Tyrol's public broadcasting institution. If damaged, television, radio, and mobile networks could fail.
The control centers in Trento and North Tyrol have been informed, as the wind could also spread the smoke to their areas. The area where the fire occurred is difficult to access, with few paths leading to it.
Unfortunately, eleven people were injured during the fire in early March. A farm in Stilfs had to be evacuated due to the fire, and 59 of the 90 residents of a hamlet had to be evacuated by helicopter.
A major forest fire also occurred above the municipalities of Latsch and Kastelbell in the Vinschgau in early March, causing evacuations and damage to property.
Authorities are urging the public to stay informed and follow any instructions given by local authorities. The situation remains critical, and efforts to contain the fire are ongoing.
