On Thursday afternoon, a large wildfire broke out between Breitenbach (Rhineland-Palatinate) and Lautenbach.
The Lautenbach fire department was alerted on Thursday at 1:50 PM to a wildfire between Breitenbach and Lautenbach. Upon arrival of the first units on site, a larger wildfire was observed and additional forces were immediately called in. District fire inspector Michael Sieslack took command at the scene and coordinated the requested emergency units from the districts of Neunkirchen, St. Wendel, and Saar-Pfalz.
The fire spread over an area of 20 hectares from Breitenbach across fields and groups of trees to the first houses in Lautenbach. A massive firefighting effort prevented the flames from spreading to the buildings. During the operation, several houses had to be evacuated. Residents were unharmed. At 4:10 pm, the fire was reported to be under control, and extensive mop-up operations began, which are still ongoing at this time.
Currently, 62 vehicles and nearly 290 personnel from the fire department, technical relief agency, German Red Cross, and Malteser were deployed. During the operation, several firefighters were injured and some had to be taken to the hospital.
