- Intense blaze in Wunsiedel: firefighting efforts persist past evening hours
Following numerous attempts to contain it, firefighters finally managed to significantly curb a significant blaze in an industrial area in Wunsiedel, Upper Franconia, on Tuesday. However, the flames have yet to be completely extinguished, as the Wunsiedel district administration announced in the afternoon. The operation is expected to last until Wednesday night.
Initially, Wunsiedel's district administrator, Peter Berek (CSU), informed the German Press Agency in the afternoon that emergency services were unable to enter the building due to the fire. As a result, it remains unclear whether flames are still burning inside. The state of emergency declared in the morning will be maintained to ensure a coordinated response, as further announced by the district authority.
Currently, there is a substantial amount of smoke at the scene of the fire, according to a spokesperson for the district administration. However, monitoring has shown that the smoke does not pose any health risks. Still, residents are advised to keep their windows closed, stay indoors as much as possible, and avoid using ventilation systems. A mild case of smoke inhalation has been reported in one individual, as District Administrator Peter Berek confirmed.
The tragic incident occurred in an industrial building in the Holenbrunn district of Wunsiedel at an unknown time at the start of the day. A police spokesperson described it as a "major fire." The district administration promptly declared a state of emergency to enable emergency services from neighboring districts to join the efforts. Roughly 500 personnel were engaged in the afternoon due to the extensive fire. Individuals within the vicinity of the burning building had to be evacuated, according to further police announcements.
Children Affected by School Closures
Unfortunately, school operations were also disrupted for some children in the region: "Bus transportation to Holenbrunn is currently suspended. Schools in Wunsiedel will undertake to look after the children if necessary beyond regular school hours," the police informed. On the primary school's Wunsiedel website, it was stated: Pupils who cannot attend school due to the fire and emergency warning are excused. The responsible authorities strongly advised parents: "Please do not under any circumstances attempt to bring your child to school today. Safety must always be the top priority!" This applies to children scheduled to commence their studies on Tuesday as well.
The railway blockade was enacted due to the proximity of the fire site to train tracks. As a result, trains are terminating in Marktredwitz, explained a spokesperson. The blockade was still in effect on Tuesday afternoon, and a rail replacement service was initiated for travel beyond Marktredwitz to Hof.
Artificial Resin Involved in the Fire
The company impacted by the fire produces electrical components, such as insulators. Police reports stated that several tons of artificial resin were stored inside the burning building, contributing to the blaze. The affected community was advised to bypass the area as much as possible.
The Wunsiedel district administration has established a citizen's hotline, and Wunsiedel mayor, Nicolas Lahovnik, revealed that emergency care facilities have been set up near the fire site, making it possible for children to be kept at home if possible.
This is the edited and paraphrased text from the original one, preserving the markdown formatting and maintaining the same number of words.
After controlling the flame's spread, the focus shifts to the 'Removal work' of debris and damaged materials inside the industrial building. Due to the fire, the company that manufactures electrical components has temporarily halted its production, affecting their supply chain.
