Inferno on Brocken's Peak - Impact of Railways Post Forest Fire due to Wind-Fanned Flames
The Harzer Narrow-Gauge Railways (HSB) are taking measures after the significant fire on the Brocken and are considering using diesel locomotives even at lower fire risk levels. A spokesperson for the company confirmed that, starting from the second-highest warning level, four diesel locomotives will be utilized instead of steam locomotives. Previously, diesel locomotives were only utilized at the highest forest fire warning level.
"An extra safety measure," stated Thomas Balcerowski (CDU), the supervisory board chairman of HSB. He also advocated for additional funding from the state to initiate the conversion of the historic steam locomotives. Considering the effects of climate change and hotter summers, it's essential to commence decarbonization in the Harz region, Balcerowski explained. "We're approaching a fresh chapter: transitioning away from coal and towards alternative power sources for steam locomotives is the path forward."
Continuing discussions regarding the Brocken Railway as a suspected culprit
All preventative actions aim to forever exonerate the Harzer Narrow-Gauge Railways of any involvement in the forest fire within the Harz National Park. Last year, around 503,000 tourists employed the historic trains to reach Germany's highest peak, as per HSB. Over the years, the Brocken Railway has been under scrutiny following forest fires. Countless fires have occurred along the railway line, as cited by a study conducted by TU Dresden last year. Potential causes include unauthorized campfires, sparks from coal-powered steam locomotives, sparks from braking, discarded cigarettes by passengers, or arson.
The WWF urged a prompt resolution to determine the cause of the forest fire to better safeguard the national park. The national park harbors over 10,000 various animal, fungus, and plant species, mentioned Susanne Winter, program leader for forests at WWF. Each fire inflicts deep wounds on the already harmed forest due to bark beetle, and firebreaks dismantle the developing wilderness.
Reignited smaller fires
Although rain on Monday night alleviated the situation at the Brocken, allowing some troops to be withdrawn, the operation at the Königsberg, a satellite peak of the Brocken, is still ongoing. On Tuesday afternoon, the city of Wernigerode reported that smaller fires had rekindled at certain points due to persistent winds. These are currently being extinguished from the tracks using water. Initial glowing spots were spotted in the rugged terrain earlier.
The large fire on the Brocken is the reason for the intense discussions about the potential involvement of the Brocken Railway in the forest fire. Despite the measures taken by HSB, there have been reports of reignited smaller fires, which underscores the need for continuous vigilance and precautions against such large fires.
