Firefighting robot deployed at munition-laden forest fire near Traisen, hundreds evacuated

Dangerous conditions from ordnance

The forest fire at the Rotenfels nature reserve near Bad Kreuznach broke out on Saturday afternoon and quickly spread in dry, hot conditions. The area is littered with unexploded World War II munitions, posing an acute explosion risk. As a result, a one-kilometer safety zone was imposed and the nearby village of Traisen, with roughly 650 inhabitants, was fully evacuated on Sunday.

“We want to allow this as quickly as possible.”

Landrätin Dickes said the return of residents remains uncertain and the operation could last days. Early on Monday, a bus shuttled evacuees briefly back to their homes to collect forgotten essentials. Heiko Keller, a Traisen resident, described the urgency:

“I had to get out within 15 minutes on Saturday night.”

Firefighting robot from Lower Saxony

Because firefighters cannot enter the munition-contaminated zone, a specially developed Löschroboter was requested from the district of Vechta in Lower Saxony. The robot arrived Monday morning on a low-loader and was prepared for deployment. It is controlled remotely from a command station and draws water through a hose that can be extended up to 800 meters, for example from a tank or water cannon. The system, which costs around 2.8 million euros, is unique in Germany, according to state fire chief Tom Riedel. Smaller satellite units from the Hanau fire service in Hesse are also being used to support the effort.

Rain brings slight relief

Overnight rain provided some relief, dampening the flames and helping firebreaks hold. A feared advance towards a mobile phone tower and a kindergarten did not materialize. However, Riedel warned:

“We fear that the warm and dry weather expected later today combined with wind will fan the flames again.”

Dozens of fire engines from across Rhineland‑Palatinate remain on standby. In Saxony, a separate forest fire in the Gohrischheide area, which started Saturday, has been largely extinguished with the help of drones, helicopters, and 200 firefighters.

Political reaction and future preparedness

Minister‑President Gordon Schnieder visited the command post and thanked the emergency crews. He said the incident shows Rhineland‑Palatinate may need to invest in its own robotic equipment for munition‑contaminated sites.

“We must strengthen our capabilities for the future.”

He noted that the state had already upgraded its wildfire vehicle fleet recently.