In Upper Franconia, multiple cattle succumb to a fiery tragedy. The question arises whether injured survivors should be euthanized.
A devastating fire broke out in a barn in the Schottenhammer district of Naila, Hof district, on September 4, 2025, at approximately 6 am. The incident, which was reported by both the police and inFranken.de, resulted in the tragic loss of 40 calves and youngstock, but thankfully no human injuries were reported.
The firefighting operations saw approximately 250 emergency services personnel, including firefighters, technical relief workers, paramedics, and police, working tirelessly to contain the blaze. The efforts of these dedicated individuals were successful in preventing the flames from spreading to the adjacent family home.
The scale of the firefighting operation was significant, with sections of the federal highway B173 between Schwarzenbach am Wald and Naila being temporarily closed to traffic.
A vet was on site to examine the injured animals, and it is possible that some surviving cows may need to be euthanized due to their injuries sustained in the fire. The surviving cows may require veterinary examination and treatment.
Some cows were successfully rescued by farmers and emergency services, and the estimated property damage from the fire is around 1,000,000 euros.
The cause of the fire remains unknown at this time, and an investigation is ongoing to determine the origin of the blaze. The chairman of the fire brigade command in Naila during the fire on September 4, 2025, at 6 am was Chief Fire Officer Markus Weber.
Our thoughts go out to the farmers and the community affected by this tragic event. We will continue to bring you updates as more information becomes available.
