Great fire in Birkenheide: Two families lose everything on New Year's Eve!

Great fire in Birkenheide: Two families lose everything on New Year's Eve!

During New Year's Eve, on December 31, 2024, the quiet community of Birkenheide in the Rhein-Palatinate district was haunted by a devastating major fire. This caused damage of several hundred thousand euros when two houses and four cars became a robbery of the flames. A family of four with two children and a pensioner couple who have lost everything in this catastrophe are particularly affected. [Rheinpfalz] reports that the two households have temporarily accommodated with relatives while the community offers support.

Mayor Gary Kuhn (CDU) kept in touch with those affected in the first few days after the fire and expressed that the families are "good according to the circumstances". Nevertheless, the trauma is deep. Kuhn opened the doors of the community for everyone who needed help and emphasized the importance of community in such difficult times.

cause of the fire and extinguishing measures

The investigation into the cause of the fire is still in progress. An expert and fire investigator from the criminal police examined the fire town on January 6th. The exact cause remains unclear, but it is known that the fire went from a carport and quickly attacked the adjacent roof trusses. In addition, [Tagesschau] reported that the fire brigade was alerted shortly after 1 a.m. and was on site with a total of 14 vehicles and around 60 emergency services. Despite a high level of use and the challenges due to a fuel exposure in one of the parked cars, a spread of the flames to further replicas could be prevented.

A resident was slightly injured in the fire extinguishers, while none of the firefighters were seriously harmed. Unfortunately, two cats could not be saved due to the strong smoke spread.

donation campaigns bring help

several fundraisers have already recorded speed. A total of three actions were started on the Gofundme.com crowdfunding platform to help the families concerned. So far, an amount of 15,799 euros has been collected for the family of four, while the pensioner couple has already received 6,270 euros. These donations are a sign of the solidarity of the community and beyond [Tagesschau].

The bewilderness about this incident is shared by many in the community, including Mayor Kuhn, who wants to support those affected not only financially but also emotionally during this difficult time. With around 3,000 inhabitants, the support is reflected that those affected are now experiencing.

A major fire like this not only reminds of the dangers that a fire can bring with it, but also shows the power of solidarity within a community. The investigation continues, while the fire brigade and the municipality are still available in order to support the person concerned.