All-clear

Dense smoke causes large-scale operation in Steyregg

The destroyed battery storage unit in the cellar of a house in Steyregg

(Bild: Werner Kerschbaummayr/Team Fotokerschi.at/Simon Brandstätter)

Eight fire departments, two Red Cross ambulances, the rescue officer on duty and the police - a large contingent of emergency services was deployed in Steyregg on Wednesday afternoon. The reason seems trivial: a cellar fire. But the wind and another factor caused major problems.

The head of the fire department immediately called in reinforcements after the alarm was raised shortly before 4 pm. The reason: thick smoke was coming from the basement of a house right next to a doctor's surgery. "According to initial reports, there is also a battery storage unit from a PV system in the basement," said the helpers. This was confirmed. And if one of these burns, it is difficult to extinguish, there is a risk of explosion and toxic fumes can form.

Smoke drifts into the residential area
For this reason, the Red Cross was also sent in with a large contingent. The dense smoke was carried into the residential area by the current wind. "There were no casualties due to the fire", report the paramedics, although one person had a circulatory problem that was not due to the fire or smoke. This patient was of course treated on site by the helpers.

Respiratory protection site activated
The eighth fire department, the Ottensheim fire brigade, was deployed to provide support. The reason for the long journey from Ottensheim to Steyregg: Ottensheim is the district's respiratory protection base. The all-clear has now been given: fire out. They are now investigating whether the fire started in the battery storage unit or whether it was ignited by the fire.