Swift Response from Multiple Fire Brigades Contains Industrial Blaze in Himberg
A major fire broke out at an industrial site in Himberg, prompting a large-scale emergency response and the involvement of four fire departments. The incident was initially reported by a vigilant train operator who noticed a substantial column of smoke rising from the vicinity of the industrial area and promptly notified the fire services.
Upon arrival, firefighters found several containers belonging to a landscaping company fully engulfed in flames. The fire had also spread to adjacent stables, placing both animals and nearby structures at significant risk. Due to the rapid escalation and potential threat to surrounding facilities, additional fire brigades from Pellendorf and Velm were called in to support the emergency operation.
The initial priority for responders was twofold: ensuring the safety and evacuation of animals from the affected stables and preventing the fire from spreading further to neighboring buildings. Coordinated teams deployed four C-hoses to tackle the blaze from multiple directions, utilizing self-contained breathing apparatuses to allow firefighters to operate safely in the dense smoke and hazardous conditions.
Challenging weather conditions, including sub-zero temperatures, complicated the firefighting efforts. To maintain operational efficiency and ensure the well-being of personnel, a nearby construction business provided space for setting up a hygiene station, a gathering point for breathing apparatus teams, and a supply center. The Schwechat fire department contributed additional support by managing the air supply logistics for the breathing apparatus units on-site.
Firefighters worked diligently for several hours to bring the fire under control. Once the main flames were extinguished, crews continued with extensive overhaul operations to extinguish hidden embers and prevent any potential reignition. Despite the significant damage to the business property, the coordinated response successfully averted the fire's spread to other buildings and led to the rescue of numerous animals from the threatened stables.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the precise cause of the fire. The incident highlights the critical importance of rapid reporting and coordinated emergency response in preventing greater damage during large-scale industrial fires.