A significant fire broke out on the evening of December 19, 2024, at the former Pagoda restaurant located within the Centro Oberhausen shopping complex, which forced the adjacent Christmas market to evacuate for safety precautions.
According to reports, around 5:19 PM, emergency services received multiple calls about flames erupting from the now-abandoned Chinese restaurant. Upon their arrival, firefighters from the Oberhausen brigade were greeted with towering flames reaching high under the building's roof, accompanied by visible plumes of thick smoke.
"People's lives were never at risk," reassured the fire chief, adding a layer of comfort during this chaotic event. The urgency of the flame fighting necessitated the deployment of two firetrucks and about 60 firefighters on site.
Fire crews worked diligently to control the situation throughout the night, focusing their efforts on combating the fire from the exterior due to safety concerns over the integrity of the structure. Fire department spokesperson Kevin Schulz elaborated, "Due to the high intensity of the fire, the building is likely to be structurally unsafe," highlighting the risks faced by firefighters.
Security measures prompted the evacuation of the crowded Christmas market soon after the fire broke out. Attendees were swiftly and effectively relocated, leading to reports of the evacuation proceeding without incident. "Evacuation of the Christmas market was smoothly executed," stated police representatives, efficient management during such alarming circumstances being key.
Throughout the evening, firefighters were able to bring the flames under control by approximately 8 PM, yet they remained vigilant, monitoring for any potential hotspots for several hours thereafter. The community had been alerted to the situation via the regional warning app, Katwarn, which advised citizens about potential smoke-related discomforts but declared there was no health danger.
Despite the fire being controlled, the cause remains undetermined, and investigators will be inspecting the premises to ascertain how the blaze originated. A police spokesperson confirmed the start of the investigation, stating, "A safety investigation will start shortly to determine the cause of the fire," allowing for clarity on this troubling incident.
The Pagoda restaurant, notable for its distinctive Asian architectural style, has stood empty since 2020 after closing its doors due to financial struggles exacerbated by the pandemic. Its destruction raises questions about the future of the site, which was slated to be part of exciting developments at Centro Oberhausen.
Plans for the area included transforming it as part of the upcoming Karls Erlebnis-Dorf amusement park, with hopes for completion by 2026, previously announced for 2023. Now, the prospects for the former restaurant's inclusion remain uncertain. The city’s residents have observed the deterioration of the building's façade, which has somewhat reflected the reality of the restaurant’s closure. Current damage assessment indicates the extensively charred remnants are now the focal concern.
While the fire presented immediate challenges, the operations of the broader Centro shopping complex remained unaffected, with the stores continuing to operate as usual on the night of the incident. The Christmas market, which had drawn considerable crowds before the evacuation, is scheduled to return to its regular hours on December 20, providing some continuity for local festivities.
Fire crews are, as always, commended for their swift action, the incident once again reiterates the unpredictable nature of safety surrounding urban developments. The Oberhausen community now looks toward the future, balancing the nostalgia of the past with the new possibilities on the horizon.
