Fire near Chiemsee closes A8 motorway in both directions
A forest and peatland fire in the Chiemsee Lake area has led to the complete closure of the A8 motorway in both directions between Übersee and Bernau am Chiemsee. The disruption affects one of the main road corridors connecting Munich and Salzburg.
Diversions have been put in place during the closure. However, the authorities have not published detailed diversion routes and advise drivers to follow temporary traffic signage.
According to information provided by Kreisfeuerwehrverband Traunstein, around 200 firefighters have been battling the blaze since Sunday evening. The fire has affected approximately 5.5 hectares of forest and peatland, an area equivalent to nearly eight football pitches. On Monday morning, a Bavarian police helicopter equipped with an external water bucket was also deployed to support the firefighting operation. Due to the heavy smoke, the fire brigade has urged residents of nearby communities to keep their windows and doors closed.
No date has yet been set for reopening the motorway. According to the police, the decision will depend on wind conditions and the progress of the firefighting operation. The cause of the fire remains unknown.
