The hamlet of Unterer Wolfsberg in Bauma, Zurich, was completely destroyed in a major fire on Monday morning. Storm gusts had kindled the fire. Seven people lost their homes, a dozen animals died.
When the first emergency services from Protection & Rescue Zurich arrived, a barn was lit up, the cantonal police said. Due to the wind, all five of the hamlet’s buildings were on fire within a short period of time – apart from a small stable. Three buildings were residential houses with attached stables.
Because the water in the fire engines was insufficient, the fire brigade had to lay water pipes over several kilometers to fight the big fire. In addition, the firefighters fought against flying roof tiles and strong sparks, as police spokesman Ralph Hirt told the Keystone-SDA news agency. The operation was dangerous.
Due to the strong wind, even the deployment of several fire departments could not prevent the hamlet from burning down. Sparks also ignited further fires in the nearby forest that had to be extinguished.
The TOPReporter video shows the extent of the fire:
Evacuated people and cattle
The residents could all be evacuated in time. How many of the seven residents were at home at the time of the fire is not known. It is clear that three people showed signs of smoke poisoning. They were given medical care on site and could then be discharged.
Thanks to the immediate intervention of local residents and the first police and fire brigade forces, the majority of the cattle, mainly cattle, were saved. Two calves suffered burn injuries and were driven to the animal hospital. A sheep, two goats and ten geese and turkeys did not survive.
In addition to the cantonal police, several fire brigades from Zurich and the Zurich Oberland, a regal helicopter, a large bull ambulance and a careteam were deployed.
TELE TOP was on site in Bauma during the major fire:
In the video from TELE TOP shows the big fire in Bauma up close:
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