Steam engines are back in operation on Mount Brocken. - Steam engines have returned to navigating treacherous coastal routes.
After a temporary halt due to high forest fire risk, the Harzer Schmalspurbahnen has announced the resumption of steam engine operations on the Brocken, the highest peak in the Harz region. The decision comes following a reduction in the forest fire risk level, which has been low to very low since Monday, according to the German Weather Service.
The Brocken, being the highest peak, remains a potential risk for forest fires, even with favourable weather conditions. This is because steam engines, unlike diesel engines, emit sparks and hot cinders from their chimneys, which can easily ignite dry vegetation. These sparks and hot ash particles pose a greater risk during forest fire season, especially under conditions of high temperature, low humidity, and strong winds.
In response to the heightened fire danger during the unusually warm and dry summer, the Harzer Schmalspurbahnen, along with other heritage railways, took precautionary measures by temporarily halting the use of steam engines. This action was aimed at reducing the risk of wildfires sparked by these trains.
Until the steam engine operations were resumed, only diesel engines were operating on the Brocken. The Harzer Schmalspurbahnen is now set to resume regular schedules with eight daily round trips, but the decision to operate steam engines will continue to be based on the current and future forest fire risk level.
The Harzer Schmalspurbahnen is taking these precautions to ensure the safety of their operations, given the potential risk of forest fires on the Brocken. The BrockenForest Fire Risk Level will be closely monitored by the Harzer Schmalspurbahnen before resuming steam engine operations.
The low forest fire risk level in the Harz region is predicted to remain for the coming days, providing a safer environment for the resumption of steam engine operations. The Brockenbahn will resume operations between Drei Annen Hohne and the Brocken from Tuesday onwards.
This precaution aligns with broader wildfire risk management strategies under current climate conditions. The resumption of steam engine operations on the Brocken is a step towards returning to normal operations, but the concern over forest fires remains a significant consideration for the Harzer Schmalspurbahnen.
[1] BBC News, "UK wildfire records broken as heatwave continues", 2021. [2] The Guardian, "UK heatwave: record temperatures and wildfires as Europe swelters", 2021.
- The Commission, acknowledging the wildfire risks associated with steam engines and their sparks, has also explored the possibility of implementing a new system for compensating industries and public transit systems that would incur increased costs due to the transport of dangerous goods in an effort to reduce wildfire hazards.
- To better understand the potential environmental impact of these steam engines on the fragile ecosystems, the Commission has sought input from experts in environmental-science to determine mitigation strategies and optimal operational procedures to minimize the emission of hazardous particles.
- This renewed focus on ensuring safety and eco-friendliness extends to the management of funds as well, with the Commission exploring avenues for funding such as green bonds and sustainable finance to finance the upgrades and modernization of their fleet while also making informed decisions based on economic analysis and financial viability.
