The population of the Upper Valais is being evacuated due to forest fire.
Published: Monday, Jul 17th 2023, 21:00
Aktualisiert am: Freitag, 13. Oktober 2023, 14:12
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Due to the large-scale forest fire above Bitsch/Ried-Mörel in the Upper Valais, the population is being evacuated. In addition, the army is sending a helicopter to help with firefighting in addition to the machines from Air Zermatt that have been in operation for hours. The army's help had been requested by the Canton of Valais, according to Army spokesman Stefan Hofer. A Super Puma is currently in use and a second army helicopter will be available from Tuesday for firefighting. The coordination of the firefighting flights is in the hands of the civilian authorities. The evacuation of the population of Ried-Mörel was announced by the Valais police in the evening. The reason for this is that the fire is spreading in the direction of Ried-Mörel/Riederhorn due to the wind. Helicopters from Air Zermatt are available. During the night, firefighting flights will be continued with one two-engine helicopter from Air Zermatt and one from Air-Glaciers, according to a statement from Air Zermatt on Monday evening. The first fire alarm was received by the police shortly before 5 pm. The exact cause and extent of the fire were not yet known in the evening. The fire was visible from afar.
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