One firefighter injured

Diesel tank was in flames during barn fire

There was also a diesel tank in the shed, which melted.

(Bild: Einsatzdoku)

Around 100 firefighters were called out to a barn fire in Thomasberg in the district of Neunkirchen on Wednesday evening. Because the heat also melted the diesel tank stored inside, the fuel ignited. One firefighter was injured during the extinguishing work.

The emergency services were called to Thomasberg shortly after 5.15 pm. When they arrived, the tool shed belonging to an agricultural property was already fully engulfed in flames. The extinguishing water had to be shuttled to the remote address.

Lack of water and fuel
However, the lack of water was not the only reason that made the operation so difficult. There were not only two tractors, a round baler and several other pieces of agricultural equipment in the shed, but also a diesel tank. This melted due to the enormous heat, the fuel flowed out and ignited. The fire was fought using wetting agent and extinguishing foam and was under control after around 25 minutes. 

The adjacent residential building was protected by the coordinated action of the emergency services. However, one firefighter suffered minor injuries. He had to go to hospital, but was able to be discharged into home care the same evening. After around an hour and a half of hard work, the fire was declared "out". The cause of the fire is still unknown and the police have begun an investigation.