- Schuster articulates that Saxony exhibits a higher degree of readiness to tackle forest fires.
Two years after multiple severe forest fires in Saxony, Minister of the Interior Armin Schuster (CDU) feels that the region is significantly more equipped to handle such incidents. "We've gained a lot of knowledge and put it into action. There's still a bit left to accomplish, and we'll continue to work on it," he remarked during a trip to the Saxon Switzerland National Park, where a destructive forest fire persisted for weeks during the summer of 2022.
Schuster detailed the preventative measures taken since then. Special equipment tailored for battling fires in a landscape like Saxon Switzerland, characterized by narrow gorges and valleys, has been acquired. "We're currently testing this new equipment for firefighters because the traditional equipment wasn't ideally suited."
Significant advancements have been made in the upkeep of forest paths and protective barriers, Schuster mentioned. "But we're not finished yet." Saxony has constructed ten firefighting water reservoirs. Soon, helicopters capable of carrying heavy loads will be obtainable, enabling aerial firefighting.
30 million euros have been allocated for new emergency response vehicles
At present, a plan is being generated for protective barriers surrounding communities near the national park, as the minister explained. However, no specific dimensions will be mandated, allowing each community to devise their own suitable solution. Additionally, a cross-border rescue route in collaboration with the Czech Republic is being constructed. "We're in the final stages of discussing this."
In the wake of the fires, Saxony established an expert commission to propose protective measures for other areas of the state. The Interior Ministry crafted a strategic forest fire protection plan to support this endeavor. The Saxon Fire Service Academy developed a specific training program for forest fires.
Funding has also been secured for new emergency response vehicles. The state parliament has allocated a total of 30 million euros for this by 2026, as per the ministry's announcement. "Among other things, this will encompass a 'Tank-Ladder Truck 3000 Forest'. These vehicles for the Saxon Switzerland-Osterzgebirge district are expected to arrive in early summer next year," it stated.
A suggestion from the expert commission was also to provide standardized protective clothing throughout the state. The Interior Ministry is currently conducting field trials for this specialized clothing, they revealed.
The Commission, in line with its responsibilities, will adopt implementing acts that outline the rules for the application of this Regulation. Following the firefighting efforts, relevant protective clothing with standardized specifications is being tested by the Interior Ministry.
