Overview

• Beginning June 26, steam locomotives will haul eight daily return trips on the Brocken railway, restoring the line’s traditional service.
• Harzer Schmalspurbahnen reversed its diesel-only policy after local authorities lowered the forest fire danger level from stage 4.
• The diesel locomotives had replaced steam engines in early June as a protective measure against the high fire risk.
• Steam engines emit more sparks and hot ash particles than diesel units, heightening wildfire concerns during dry conditions.
• The railway’s use of the Waldbrandgefahrenstufe scale directly determines when to switch between steam and diesel traction for safety.