How is it done? What needs to be considered?
I spoke to Jakob Auer, an employee of Innsbruck Tourismus in Telfs. He told me some interesting facts about the Sacred Heart bonfire. Jakob has been responsible for the Sacred Heart bonfires in Telfs, which are organized by the rifle company as an association, for four years.
"Preparations start about a month in advance," says Jakob. "This includes ordering the torches, notifying the fire department, raising the funds for the torches and putting together the group that builds and lights the bonfire," he adds.
In response to my question about how the places for the mountain fires are determined, Jakob replies: "My group from the Telfs rifle company and I have been using the same places for our Sacred Heart fires for many decades: the south side of the Hohe Munde at around 1,800 meters and the Arzberg at around 950 meters above sea level. For the selected sites, it is important that the field for the fire is oriented towards the community in the valley so that the catchment area of spectators and admirers is as large as possible. In addition, the slope should be steep enough and ideally protected from the wind to optimize the burning time of the torches."
It goes without saying that an increased level of safety is required here. Jakob explains: "In terms of safety, it is important to monitor the weather closely in advance and decide whether the ascent is possible on the planned day. If you are already on the mountain, you should know how to behave in the event of hail or thunderstorms. In addition, every participant must be sure-footed and free from giddiness and have the right equipment and clothing with them. Local knowledge is also an advantage, as you have to find the right way back down into the valley in complete darkness, despite using a headlamp." One consequence of this: "Due to the high risk of falling, it is unfortunately not possible to experience the mountain fire directly on site. However, I invite everyone to admire the Sacred Heart bonfires from the valley."
As the Sacred Heart fire has such a long tradition in Tyrol, I was naturally interested in how it is passed on and how the traditions are maintained. Jakob gave me the following answer: "This tradition is passed on intensively to the next generation. For two years now, we have had a fire on the Arzberg especially for our youngsters, which is more easily accessible and therefore ideal for young people to gain their first experience of mountain fires. For us adults, the south side of the Hohe Munde is planned. The ascent of around 800 vertical meters, including easy climbing in the third degree, is very demanding. With the additional weight of the torches, only very mountain-savvy and sure-footed people can install this fire on the mountain."
So if you are in the Telfs area on Sunday, June 9, you should definitely pay attention to the two points mentioned and enjoy the Sacred Heart of Jesus fire.
