THW’s Long-Distance Water Pumps Battle the Gohrischheide Wildfire

A gravel pit becomes a lifeline as THW’s elite team stretches water across 2.5 km to douse flames. Their expertise turns the tide in a high-stakes wildfire battle.

, and Administrator

2025 December 1 . 10:03 AM

1 min read

In this image there is water flowing from the fire hydrant which is on the side walk, and in the... — In this image there is water flowing from the fire hydrant which is on the side walk, and in the background there are vehicles on the road, signal lights and sign boards attached to the poles, buildings, grass, plants, trees,sky.

THW’s Long-Distance Water Pumps Battle the Gohrischheide Wildfire

The Technical Relief Agency (THW) is playing a key role in tackling the Gohrischheide fire by supplying extinguishing water over long distances. Using high-performance pumps and kilometres of hose lines, the team is drawing water from a gravel pit in Boragk to support firefighters and farmers. Their specialist equipment and expertise are proving vital in the operation.

The THW’s specialist group for Water Damage/Pumps, part of the Saxony and Thuringia regional association, is leading the effort. They are using a large pump to transport water through a 2.5-kilometre hose line, ensuring a steady flow to the fire zone. This group is one of over 80 such units across Germany, trained for flood control, water removal, and large-scale pumping tasks.

The THW’s intervention in Gohrischheide highlights their ability to deliver water over vast distances during major incidents. With pumps capable of shifting thousands of litres per minute, they ensure firefighters and farmers have the resources to combat the blaze. The operation demonstrates the importance of their specialist equipment in large-scale emergencies.