In the early hours of Monday, April 7, 2025, the popular indoor playground "Ratzfatz" in Klein Berkel was completely engulfed in flames, resulting in significant damage and a massive response from emergency services. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
The incident began shortly after 2:00 AM when a young man, the 22-year-old son of the facility's owner, was awakened by loud bangs. According to reports, pressure cartridges activated by the heat opened the smoke and heat extraction flaps in the roof, potentially saving his life. Eyewitnesses described seeing liquid plastic dripping from the ceiling before flames erupted from the solar panel-covered roof.
As the fire rapidly spread, Deputy Fire Chief Ulf Magerhans was the first firefighter on the scene, finding flames shooting up to 10 meters high. Recognizing the severity of the situation, Magerhans triggered the highest alarm level, summoning eleven of the twelve local fire departments to the scene.
Firefighters arrived to find the building, which was formerly a tennis hall and measured approximately 60 meters in length, already fully ablaze. The fire department allowed the structure to burn down in a controlled manner due to the intense heat and the risk of further explosions. Explosions were reported, possibly caused by balloon gas containers and propane-butane bottles present in the building, sending debris flying through the air.
As the firefighting efforts commenced, a significant smoke plume rose vertically into the night sky, prompting local authorities to advise residents to keep doors and windows closed. The Hameln fire department issued a city-wide alarm at 3:23 AM, warning the public about the heavy smoke development via the "Katwarn" and "Nina" alert systems. This warning was lifted shortly before 7:30 AM.
The firefighting operation involved a total of 196 personnel from various agencies, including local fire departments, the Technical Relief Agency (THW) from Hameln and Stadthagen, the Red Cross, and the police. The THW's Tobias Tasler warned of an acute risk of collapse, highlighting the dangers faced by firefighters attempting to combat the flames.
In an innovative move, the Hameln fire department utilized the "Hytrans Fire System" for the first time in an emergency situation. This high-capacity pump allowed them to transport up to 8000 liters of water per minute from the nearby Humme river using two 500-meter-long hose lines.
As the fire raged, firefighters worked tirelessly to establish access points into the hall. A THW excavator was employed to remove parts of the smoldering roof and walls, enabling firefighters to safely enter the building and extinguish remaining embers.
By dawn, the once-thriving indoor playground had been reduced to a shell of steel beams and charred remains. The operator of "Ratzfatz" stood outside, devastated by the destruction of his livelihood. "My existence – with one blow, everything is gone," he lamented.
Despite the significant damage, estimated at around 100,000 euros, the quick response from emergency services prevented any injuries or fatalities. The firefighting efforts lasted over nine hours, with teams working diligently to ensure the fire was fully extinguished.
As the smoke cleared, local residents faced delays on the B1 highway due to the extensive firefighting operation at the nearby Multimarkt. The cause of the fire remains unclear, and investigations are ongoing.
In conclusion, the fire at "Ratzfatz" serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with indoor recreational facilities. The community now faces the challenge of recovery and rebuilding after this devastating event.
