A forest fire broke out in Brusio on Tuesday afternoon
Initial findings suggest that the forest fire was caused by a permitted controlled burn at a construction site.
Media release from the Graubünden Cantonal Police:
A forest fire broke out in Brusio on Tuesday afternoon. Several firefighting helicopters and firefighters are deployed to combat the flames. The RhB railway line is closed until further notice, and a rail replacement bus service is in operation.
The report of the forest fire, which covered an area of approximately two square kilometers between Campascio and Viano, was received on Tuesday at 3:40 p.m. Firefighting operations resumed on Wednesday morning after several fire watches were established throughout the night. In addition to the Brusio fire department and the Graubünden cantonal police, five helicopters from Swisshelicopter and Heli Bernina, as well as a Super Puma helicopter from the Swiss Air Force, are involved in the operation.
Extraordinary airspace closure
To avoid hindering firefighting efforts, the Federal Office of Civil Aviation BAZL (FOCA) ordered an extraordinary airspace closure until Thursday evening. Due to the risk of rockfall, the Rhaetian Railway (RhB) had to be closed. The road to Viano, about 200 meters from the fire, is also currently closed. Residents can reach the valley via the forest road. As a precaution, the nearby power line was switched off overnight; Viano is being supplied with electricity via a generator.
Initial findings suggest that the forest fire was caused by a permitted controlled burn at a construction site. The Graubünden cantonal police have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire.
Graubünden Cantonal Police: gr.ch
Press release from the Swiss Army:
The army is supporting the fire brigade operation in Brusio.
The Swiss Army is currently supporting the civilian authorities of the canton of Graubünden with firefighting efforts in Brusio. Two Super Puma helicopters from the Air Force are involved in the operation. Together with civilian helicopter companies, they are making a significant contribution to aerial firefighting.
This support operation is a striking example of the coordinated cooperation between civilian and military forces under difficult conditions.
The Swiss army is there when it is needed.
The Swiss army: armee.ch
Photo: © Schweizer Armee - Kantonspolizei Graubünden
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