Cause of the fire still unclear – arson suspected
As reported by the Saxon Switzerland-Eastern Ore Mountains district office, around 2,500 square meters are affected. The water supply came from the Elbe and with tanker circulation from the bastion. The Bastei Bridge and the Felsenburg Neurathen are closed until further notice due to the extinguishing work. The fire largely destroyed the ground vegetation, said a spokesman for the Saxon Switzerland National Park. The mixed forest of old pines, beeches and birches was damaged. Whether at least the older trees could withstand the fire will only become apparent in the coming weeks and months.
According to a police spokesman, two people were injured in the operation. Fire investigators have started their work.
The fire broke out during the night – a clear indication of negligent arson, estimates Kai Bigge, the head of the fire brigade: “To me it actually looks as if someone was standing on the Bastei bridge and throwing down a cigarette butt from above. But that remains to be seen what the investigation reveals.”