Large fire breaks out in St. Egyden pine forest

A large fire broke out in a pine forest in St. Egyden, in the Neunkirchen district, on Wednesday afternoon, ORF reported. At least 20 fire brigades were deployed, and firefighters raised the alarm to the highest level, B4, during the afternoon.

Smoke columns were visible for kilometres, according to several photographs and videos from the region. The flames were expected to spread rapidly because of the extreme dryness.

The operation was still under way, and no further information was immediately available.