The forest fire in Karlstetten (Lower Austrian district of St. Pölten) on Saturday was started by a cigarette. According to the investigation, the cigarette had fallen from the hand of a 36-year-old hiker from Upper Austria. The man expects a report. Subsequent extinguishing efforts continued as glowing embers flared up again and again.
The walker tried to contain the fire, but was unsuccessful. He was reported for negligently causing a blaze. A police spokesperson pointed out that people are not allowed to smoke or make open fires in the forest due to the prevailing drought. The forest fire ordinance already applies in the districts of Neunkirchen and Wiener Neustadt, but not yet in the district of St. Pölten.
Six acres affected
A total of 20 fire brigades with about 350 helpers were deployed to fight the flames. Extinguishing work was hampered by the strong wind, which fueled the fire several times, as well as by the dryness and the dense vegetation in the forest. The affected area is probably slightly smaller than initially believed. The fire department assumes six hectares.
Source: Krone
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