Great fire in Duisburg: Fire brigade fights against flames on the old factory site!

Great fire in Duisburg: Fire brigade fights against flames on the old factory site!

On the evening of March 18, 2025, a fire broke out on a disused factory area on Königstrasse in Duisburg-Homberg, which led to a massive cloud of smoke. The fire brigade was quickly on site and fought the night against the flames. Around 160 emergency services had been mobilized to control the fire that captured the roof structure of an empty hall. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but residents had to close their windows and doors to protect themselves from the toxic smoke. The Nina Warnapp became active to inform the population about the situation and to point out the health risk. According to radiokw.de remained the measurements of the air quality.

The affected site, which has been broken for about 20 years, was previously used by the “Schmitz Söhne” company. The fire brigade uses fire water, which was taken directly from the Rhine, and used several aerial ladders to combat the flames from above. A first damage assessment is still pending because the exact amount of property damage is not known.

toxic smoke and health risks

The concern for the health of the residents was noticeable in the entire region. The fire brigade warned and recommended keeping windows and doors closed. In another city, Berlin-Lichterfelde, a similar major fire in a metal technology company led to dramatic scenes on Friday. Here, too, an enormous cloud of smoke was formed over the west of Berlin, which led to the closure at least one school. The fire brigade alerted the citizens via a cell phone app and pointed out that poisonous fabrics such as copper cyanide and sulfuric acid were stored in the hall, which could possibly release hydrocyanic acid in the fire. Despite the dangers, no health -hazardous substances were detected in the cloud of smoke, such as rnd.de reported.

The fire in Lichterfelde could not be brought under control, and firefighters had to take additional measures. The danger to the environment was high, which caused the city managers to regularly measure pollutant values. The population was asked to avoid the area.

risks for fire brigade

The dangers for the environment and the residents during such fire events are well documented. A study by the German Statutory Accident Insurance (DGUV) on health risks for firefighters in real fires found that fire smoke can contain carcinogenic substances such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAK). The report emphasizes that well -functioning protective clothing and wearing breathing apparatus are crucial to minimize the risks. In addition, the study documents the importance of correct hygiene measures at the scene to avoid contamination through hazardous substances, such as "https://www.feuerwehr-uB.de/normen-recht-wissen/dguv-studie-zistheit-gestheit-ge-bei--ub.de

The fire in Duisburg and the events in Berlin illustrate the recurring challenges that fire brigade faces fighting for fires. The obligation to protect the public and at the same time keep an eye on your own security remains a constant challenge in these dangerous situations.