Warehouse at Kriftel retail center in flames – Millions in damage feared

Flammable materials hamper the firefighting efforts

The fire service reported to Hessischer Rundfunk (hr) that dense smoke had also caused poor visibility, the fire service told hr. These conditions significantly hampered the work of the emergency personnel, particularly during the interior attack on the hall.

According to the police report, the hall contained numerous highly flammable materials such as furniture and mattresses. This circumstance further complicated the firefighting efforts and promoted the spread of the fire, emergency personnel explained.

No injuries, but high property damage feared

According to current findings, no one was injured in the fire, a police spokesperson said. There was, however, no danger to residents, the authorities added.

An affected business owner, however, fears damage running into the millions, as he told the Deutsche Presse-Agentur. The cause of the fire as well as the amount of property damage remained unclear so far, investigators said.

Due to the operation, two adjacent streets were closed. Drivers were asked to detour around the area so as not to impede the approach of emergency vehicles and to give emergency personnel a clear path.

Road closures and warnings for residents

Warnings were also issued about odor nuisance in the vicinity of the fire. Residents in the surrounding area were informed about possible smoke and odor pollution caused by the combustion of the materials stored in the hall.

Police have initiated investigations into the cause of the fire. Experts are to clarify how the fire could have broken out in the hall and whether a technical defect, improper storage, or another cause might come into consideration.

Representatives of the affected retail center were dismayed at the scale of the damage, according to the Deutsche Presse-Agentur. Some of the adjacent stores may only be able to reopen after extensive cleaning and remediation work, according to initial assessments.

Investigations into the cause of the fire are underway

The municipality of Kriftel said that the incident command would decide on further action in close coordination with police and the fire service. The supply of residents was also ensured, it said.

Insurance matters are still entirely open, according to the affected business owner. An initial damage assessment can only be drawn up after the completion of the police investigation, he told the Deutsche Presse-Agentur.

Residents reported on Tuesday morning on social networks about a massive column of smoke that had been visible from afar. The smoke development was perceptible over several kilometers, eyewitnesses described.

The fire service incident commander praised the coordinated cooperation of all forces involved, according to Hessischer Rundfunk. Without the rapid response of the first emergency personnel, the fire could possibly have spread to the adjacent retail center, he emphasized.

As police further reported, the follow-up firefighting operations are expected to continue for several more days. The fire watch will continue to secure the area and target any pockets of embers to prevent the fire from flaring up again.

The recommendation remains in place for the public to give the area around the fire site a wide berth. Windows and doors in the immediately adjacent residential areas should also be kept closed as long as the odor nuisance persists.