Warehouse with coffins completely burned down in Lichtenfels – Millions in damage

According to the fire department, around 250 emergency personnel and firefighting robots were deployed to battle the flames and prevent the fire from spreading to adjacent buildings. The extinguishing work dragged on for several hours. Due to the size of the blaze, in addition to conventional fire engines, remotely controlled robots were also used, which were able to advance into the hard-to-reach areas of the hall.

Major operation during the night

Firefighters were injured during the operation. Details regarding the number and severity of the injuries were not initially known. Rescue services treated those affected on site and transported them to nearby hospitals.

The damage to the hall and the stored inventory runs into the millions according to initial estimates. The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing. According to police, there is no conclusive evidence yet of arson or a technical defect.

Millions in damage and ongoing investigations

Residents were asked to keep windows and doors closed, as the smoke development in the densely built-up industrial area was considerable. Air monitoring readings temporarily showed an increased load of particulate matter and fire residues, according to authorities.

Traffic on surrounding streets was diverted over a wide area during the firefighting operations. Police closed several access roads to the fire site to give emergency services a clear route. It was not until early morning that the closures could be lifted step by step.

The city of Lichtenfels and the district office set up a contact point for concerned citizens. Staff from the local funeral industry were available to answer questions, as many families from the region had obtained coffins and funeral supplies from the affected warehouse.

Impact on the funeral industry

Owners of funeral businesses from Upper Franconia expressed dismay at the loss. Demand for replacements for the destroyed goods would be met at short notice through deliveries from neighboring federal states and from neighboring countries, according to industry sources.

Psychological support was organized for the affected firefighters. The responders had in some cases worked under difficult conditions during the operation, as the collapsing hall structure made the scene confusing.

The public prosecutor's office is examining whether third-party fault can be ruled out. A fire cause investigator has been called in to examine the damage pattern in the rubble. Results are not expected before the coming days.

Insurers of the destroyed hall assume, based on initial assessments, that it is a total loss. The settlement of claims will take months, representatives of the insurance industry said.

The city of Lichtenfels announced that it would support the affected funeral businesses in procuring the needed goods. The Lord Mayor and the District Administrator expressed their sympathy to the injured and their families.

In parallel, preparations are underway to rebuild the warehouse at a different location within the city. The city administration is examining available commercial space for this and is establishing contact with investors.