Sheep died

Dogs and cats rescued from the flames

Over a hundred firefighters were deployed.

(Bild: FF Gersdorf an der Mur)

Twelve fire departments with 24 vehicles and over a hundred personnel were deployed to a farm building fire in Gersdorf an der Mur (Styria) on Tuesday evening. Five dogs and three cats were rescued outside, one sheep died in the fire. No people were injured, but the damage is extensive.

Police officers were called to the fire in the Leibnitz district at around 11 pm. When they arrived, the stable building, in which hay, straw and agricultural machinery were stored, was already ablaze. The Gersdorf fire department had already sounded the section alarm on the approach in order to ensure the water supply.

The fire was captured from the air by a thermal imaging drone.

(Bild: FF Gersdorf an der Mur)

Fortunately, no people were injured.

(Bild: FF Gersdorf an der Mur)

Searching for embers using a drone
The first measure was to prevent the flames from spreading to the neighboring building. The firefighters immediately began setting up the extinguishing lines and attacking the fire with heavy breathing apparatus. With the help of aerial images from the thermal imaging drone, telescopic loader and crane grab, they tried to get to the remaining embers.

Stable building was engulfed by flames
The building burned out completely. A sheep, which was in the farm building at the time of the fire, died. Five dogs and three cats were brought outside by the firefighters. A total of twelve fire departments with 24 vehicles and 111 men were deployed.

The extent of the damage and the cause of the fire have not yet been determined. According to the police, a district fire investigator will examine the scene of the fire during the course of Wednesday.