A major fire broke out in Tübingen shortly before midnight on April 9, 2025, causing significant property damage estimated at least 150,000 euros. The blaze erupted in an older company building, which was primarily used as a storage area, located near the Hornbach hardware store on Vor dem Großholz street. Due to the wooden construction of the building, the fire spread rapidly, engulfing multiple sections of the structure.
According to the police, flames and smoke were visible in the vicinity of the Hornbach store, prompting a swift response from the Tübingen fire department. They dispatched 125 personnel and 23 vehicles to combat the flames. The fire department's immediate priority was to prevent the fire from spreading to the adjacent hardware store, which was thankfully not storing any goods in the affected building.
Patrick Palmer, the market manager of Hornbach, stated, "We did not store any goods in the building that caught fire. Only a small area on the parking lot of the neighboring building was rented, and the goods stored there were damaged, but the damage amount is minor." He reassured customers that the market remained open and operational, with no restrictions on shopping despite the nearby fire. "The high availability of goods for projects is ensured. Given the beautiful weather, many people will come to us today to work on their garden and balcony projects," Palmer added.
As the fire raged, emergency services worked diligently to control the situation. The Tübingen public utilities company was also alerted and had to shut off the gas supply to several buildings in the area as a precautionary measure. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the fire was brought under control, although it was not fully extinguished by the morning.
In an effort to monitor the situation from above, the fire department requested a police helicopter to survey the area for potential embers and hotspots. However, the helicopter was able to stand down after drones were deployed to assess the scene from the air.
The cause of the fire remains unclear as investigations are ongoing. Firefighters managed to contain the fire to the wooden storage building, but the warehouse halls and many of the goods inside were lost. The police have estimated the property damage to be at least 150,000 euros.
As the situation unfolded, the community remained vigilant, with local authorities urging residents to stay informed about the ongoing firefighting efforts. The response from the Tübingen fire department was commendable, showcasing their preparedness and capability in handling such emergencies.
In summary, the fire incident in Tübingen highlights the importance of rapid response and community cooperation during emergencies. As investigations continue, residents and business owners are left reflecting on the incident and its implications for safety and fire prevention in the future.
