Münster (dpa/lhe) – According to the fire brigade, the situation surrounding the forest fire near a former ammunition depot in Münster in southern Hesse has calmed down somewhat. The emergency services have the situation under control and the fire has not spread further, said a fire department spokesman on Wednesday. During the night, smoke and embers formed. The 25-hectare area is slowly cooling down. The mission near Münster (Darmstadt-Dieburg district) is expected to last until Friday.
The fire brigade is hoping for success from possible rain and the increased use of helicopters. According to the fire brigade spokesman, three helicopters from the state and federal police and the Bundeswehr should fly over the area on Wednesday with a total of 4500 liters of extinguishing water. 3,500 rescue workers have helped on site since the fire broke out. According to the spokesman, 23 of them were affected by dehydration or exhaustion, nine were slightly injured.
The fire broke out on Saturday afternoon. The fire brigade spokesman spoke of a certain danger that emanates from the proximity to the former ammunition depot. However, the area in which the remains of ammunition are located continues to cool down. Firefighters do not enter this area, it is only extinguished from the air.