Fire destroys forest lodge in Punitzer Wald

A forest lodge in Punitzer Wald, in the Güssing district, burned to the ground overnight from Friday to Saturday, ORF reported. The cause of the fire is unknown.

Firefighters discovered the smouldering remains on Saturday morning and were called out at 9:24 a.m. The Punitz fire brigade used a thermal imaging camera to find and extinguish hotspots. The Güssing fire brigade was also called in to help secure the water supply.

Firefighters declared the blaze out after three and a half hours. No one was injured.

Punitzer Wald is described as the largest contiguous forest in southern Burgenland. Firefighters said rain earlier in the week had helped reduce the risk of the flames spreading into the forest. The fire had gone unnoticed during the night.