Dresden (dpa/sn) – As a consequence of the devastating forest fires in Saxon Switzerland and on the border with Brandenburg, the left has called for innovations in the law on fire and disaster protection. It will probably not be revised until the end of the year, but there is not that much time, said Mirko Schultze, a member of the state parliament, in Dresden on Wednesday. “The forest fires are blazing now and are threatening not only nature but also people in their living environments. We know: The forest fire concept with many clever ideas, which are not all expensive, has long been in the drawer.” Interior Minister Armin Schuster (CDU) must finally start with the implementation.

“More modern technology is needed that is suitable for vegetation fires and can bring water to the target in a targeted manner. The firefighters need different protective clothing because the current one is only suitable to a limited extent. Vehicles, for example, need underbody fire protection,” emphasized Schultze. In addition, an immediate program is needed that promotes technology, personnel and their training for forest and vegetation fires in the short term.