350 firemen tackle blaze A forest fire in Mechernich destroyed thousands of trees
Mechernich · Around 350 firemen were called out to a forest fire in Mechernich on Saturday afternoon. The fire was raging over an area of around 10,000 square metres.
A forest fire has destroyed trees over an area of 10,000 square metres in the Altus-Knipp local recreation area near Mechernich. The fire services said strong winds and the hillside location had hampered efforts to put out the fire. Initially, the scene of the fire could also only be reached on foot.
The fire was reported on Saturday afternoon. Firemen first had to locate it and then laid around a kilometre of hosepipes so they could reach the blaze.
Various fire departments from throughout the region were on duty. The Federal Armed forces sent an all-terrain fire engine. The fire was under control by early evening, as shown on photos taken from a police helicopter. The fire brigade was to remain overnight in the forest to ensure the fire did not start up again.
(Original text: dpa / Translated by Kate Carey)
