A major fire broke out near the Erding/Freising district border on the night leading into Thursday, April 3, 2025, at the Wurzer recycling company in Eitting, leading to significant firefighting efforts and public safety warnings.
As of 2:30 PM on April 3, the situation remained critical, with the speed limit on the FTO (Federal Highway) reduced to 50 km/h as a precaution due to the smoke drifting towards the roadway. Although the smoke cloud was rising high into the air, there were concerns that wind could push it down towards the ground, potentially impairing visibility for drivers on roads adjacent to the facility.
Despite the challenges, flight operations at Munich Airport were not affected, as confirmed by FMG spokesperson Henner Euting. He stated, "We are in close contact with the German Air Traffic Control and the German Weather Service. We are monitoring the wind direction closely to ensure safety for all flights."
As of 10:42 AM, the large fire was still not extinguished. The flames were visible from a distance, and the smoke plume had spread widely across the region, prompting authorities to issue an official warning to residents. The Erding District Office reported at 10:37 AM that a significant fire response was underway at Wurzer Umwelt, where the blaze began around 2 AM. Approximately 180 firefighters from the Erding district, along with 25 disaster relief personnel and additional support from the neighboring Freising district, were deployed to combat the fire.
Residents were advised to keep windows and doors closed and to avoid staying outdoors due to the potential danger posed by the smoke. The fire was reported to have originated from a large pile of waste, and authorities confirmed that no injuries had been reported. Claudia Fiebrandt-Kiermeyer from the Erding District Office stated, "The fire is under control, but extinguishing operations are ongoing. We will provide an all-clear once it is safe to do so."
The fire's cause remained unclear, but the rapid response from multiple fire departments, including those from Hallbergmoos, Oberhummel, Marzling, Freising, and Attaching in the Freising district, as well as Erding, Altenerding, Eittingermoos, Berglern, Schwaig, Gaden, Taufkirchen, and Langengeisling from the Erding district, helped prevent the flames from spreading to nearby structures and equipment.
Emergency services were reported to have contained the fire’s spread effectively, with operations expected to continue into the afternoon. The firefighting efforts involved not only ground crews but also aerial support, including drone teams to assess the situation from above.
As the fire raged on, the local authorities continued to monitor air quality and any potential hazardous materials in the smoke. Robert Stangl, spokesperson for the Freising District Office, noted, "Currently, we do not have any reports of dangerous substances in the smoke. It is primarily a matter of odor nuisance at this stage."
The fire's impact extended beyond immediate safety concerns, affecting traffic on the nearby Staatsstraße 2580, where visibility was reduced due to the heavy smoke. Local police reported no injuries among the public, and operations at the airport continued without disruption.
As the situation developed, Landrat Martin Bayerstorfer, who oversees disaster management, expressed gratitude for the coordinated efforts of all involved. He stated, "Thanks to the courageous intervention of our forces, worse has been prevented so far. I appreciate the excellent collaboration among all parties."
In the early hours of Thursday, around 1:55 AM, the Integrated Control Center reported the fire at the Wurzer disposal company, which had engulfed a landfill area measuring approximately 100 by 200 meters. Initial firefighting operations lasted for about 90 minutes, but the extensive nature of the blaze meant that further work would be necessary to fully extinguish the remaining embers.
As the day progressed, fire crews continued to work diligently, removing layers of the waste pile to ensure all hot spots were addressed. The local government urged the public to remain vigilant and adhere to safety advisories.
With the ongoing emergency response, the situation in Eitting serves as a reminder of the potential hazards associated with waste management facilities and the importance of rapid response from local fire services. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official channels as the firefighting efforts continue.
Authorities are expected to provide updates as new information becomes available, and residents are reminded to prioritize their safety by following the guidance issued by local officials.
