Drought strains firefighting water supplies in Upper Austria

Fire brigades in Upper Austria are prepared for the coming hot days, but extreme drought is making it harder to secure water for firefighting, ORF reported. Dried-up streams and ponds are no longer available in some forest and meadow fires, prompting authorities to call in additional crews more quickly.

Markus Voglhuber of the Upper Austria state fire brigade command said the extra crews bring water in tanker fire engines. They also often have to lay additional firefighting hoses over long distances.

Firefighters themselves reach their physical limits more quickly in the heat. Rocky terrain, including mountainous areas, presents a particular challenge because the work must be done by hand. The ground has to be prepared and water brought in, requiring exhausted crews to be replaced.

Fire brigades are again urging the public not to light fires in dry areas or forests.