A massive fire broke out at a plastics company in Ahlen on Wednesday evening, April 9, 2025, transforming the facility into a scene of chaos and destruction. As the flames engulfed the building, thick black smoke billowed into the sky, visible from miles away, even reaching the neighboring city of Hamm.
The fire was reported around 10:27 PM, with emergency services responding quickly to the alarming situation. Upon arrival, firefighters found a significant portion of the company premises already ablaze. "This is a very, very large load. You have to imagine about 2,500 square meters of area where basically almost all of this plastic containers are on fire," stated Christian Reeker, fire chief of Ahlen, in an interview with Radio WAF.
By the early morning hours of April 10, the fire was declared under control, but not before it had spread to three separate halls and even affected a neighboring company. Estimates suggest the fire burned an area of approximately 7,000 square meters, with thousands of plastic containers going up in flames.
Approximately 300 emergency personnel were on site throughout the night, supported by firefighters from surrounding towns such as Oelde and Drensteinfurt. The intense firefighting efforts required over 4,000 liters of extinguishing foam, and despite the successful containment of the fire, one firefighter sustained injuries during the operation.
As the situation unfolded, residents in the vicinity were urged to take precautionary measures. An official warning was issued by the Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Relief, advising those living between Uentrop and Süddinker to stay indoors, close their windows and doors, and turn off air conditioning units. The warning highlighted the potential for odors and smoke deposits, indicating that outdoor activities should be avoided.
By around 8:30 AM on Thursday, the warning for southern Ahlen was lifted, but residents remained on alert due to the lingering smoke cloud that continued to drift towards Hamm. The local warning app, NINA, provided timely updates throughout the incident, ensuring that residents were kept informed.
This incident is eerily reminiscent of a similar fire that occurred two years prior in the same industrial area, where a smoke cloud also caused significant concern among residents in Hamm. Many had reported strong odors and visible smoke, prompting numerous calls to local emergency services.
The cause of this latest fire remains unclear, with investigations likely to follow as the cleanup and recovery efforts continue. Local authorities have assured the public that residential buildings were not affected by the flames, although the impact on the local business community is yet to be fully assessed.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this devastating fire, the resilience and dedication of the emergency services have been commendable, showcasing their commitment to public safety in the face of such a challenging situation. Fire chief Christian Reeker expressed gratitude to all the firefighters and support teams involved, emphasizing the collaborative effort that went into controlling the blaze.
In the days ahead, residents will be watching closely as the investigation unfolds, hoping for answers regarding the cause of the fire and reassurances about safety in their industrial area. With the smoke finally dissipating, the focus will shift to recovery and rebuilding, as the community comes together to support those affected by this significant event.
