A massive fire erupted at the former Railway Rolling Stock Repair Plant building, located at Siennicka Street in Gdańsk, shortly after 1 PM on Wednesday. Around 150 firefighters from various units have been battling the blaze, which has engulfed around two-thirds of the building, prompting significant evacuations and safety measures for local residents. The historic warehouse housed approximately 1,500 MEVO bikes, including over 1,300 electric models, along with about 1,000 batteries.
According to Captain Jakub Friedenberger from the Pomeranian Provincial Headquarters of the State Fire Service, initial reports indicated about 60 people evacuated from the vicinity prior to emergency services' arrival. Fortunately, no major injuries were initially reported, aside from one individual who sought medical attention after helping to rescue belongings.
The response to the fire involved around 45 fire brigades, along with firefighting robots to aid the efforts. The unique challenges posed by the structure—an older building with various materials and electric batteries—have made extinguishing the flames particularly arduous, with conditions worsened by unpredictable wind directions. "Rain could have easily aided us by soaking the materials, but the last-minute changes have complicated the entire situation," Captain Friedenberger stated during the press briefing.
Marian Hinca, Deputy Commander of the Pomeranian Provincial Fire Brigade, underscored the gravity of the situation, noting, "We are currently working defensively, striving to prevent the fire from spreading to unaffected areas of the warehouse." The hall, which measures about 25,000 square meters, has faced structural risks, including parts of the roof caving due to the intensity of the flames.
Local authorities, including Pomeranian Governor Beata Rutkiewicz, praised the efficiency of the emergency management system, which swiftly mobilized various fire services. Alerts were also released by the Government Security Center (RCB), warning residents of toxic fumes and advising them to close windows and avoid the area within a 1 kilometer radius. Mayor Aleksandra Dulkiewicz echoed urgent safety measures, reminding citizens to avoid open spaces due to potential toxicity from smoke.
Firefighters have faced volatile conditions with the presence of lithium-ion batteries, which could erupt when heated. Karin Kierzkowski, Chief Fire Officer, explained: "Conditions inside are precarious; explosive gases from the batteries can rapidly escalate the situation, complicate firefighting, and create toxic smoke." The risk level for firefighters remains high as they constantly monitor air quality to mitigate exposure to potentially harmful fumes.
The fire's cause is still under investigation, with police and fire safety experts expected to conduct thorough examinations after the fire is fully contained. Despite the incident, early reports indicated no toxic substances detected present during air samples taken from the surrounding areas.
The historic significance of the building cannot be understated; it has been listed as a heritage site since 2002, showcasing architectural history dated from the early 20th century. Reports indicate this site housed not only the bike storage but varied industry-related firms, raising concerns about the extensive loss of history due to the fire.
Efforts continue as the condition of the fire remains serious. Captain Friedenberger remains cautiously optimistic, noting, "We are prepared for the long haul, and our primary focus right now is to stabilize the situation and protect surrounding properties from any fire encroachment." Positively, they believe suppression strategies can keep the fire from scorching nearby structures.
City officials are coordinating recovery efforts and begin assessing the full extent of damage post-crisis. Streets surrounding the incident site have been closed off to the public, as officials work collaboratively to provide necessary supports to the affected residents and assess infrastructure safety. The overwhelming fire response emphasizes the agency's commitment to maintaining safety standards and preserving historical sites for future generations.