A large fire broke out on Friday, May 9, 2025, in Burg, Dithmarschen, at a recycling center, leading to a massive emergency response from local fire departments. The blaze ignited around 1 PM in the Norderende area, quickly spreading through a site filled with scrap, car tires, vehicles, and various recycling materials, including trailers and vehicles from a former circus camp. The fire, which engulfed approximately 2,500 square meters, created thick black smoke visible for miles, prompting immediate action from emergency services.
As the flames raged, seven fire departments mobilized to combat the inferno, with around 200 emergency personnel on the scene. The situation was complicated by two pipe bursts in the vicinity, which disrupted the water supply needed for firefighting efforts. Firefighters had to pump water over long distances from nearby locations to reach the fire, utilizing tank trucks to transport water across several kilometers.
According to Ole Kröger from the Dithmarschen Fire Brigade Association, "The smoke clouds remain extremely dense, and an end to the firefighting efforts is currently not in sight." The firefighters faced significant challenges due to the variety of combustible materials present, leading to intense heat and the risk of explosions from stored gas cylinders on site. Some of these cylinders have already exploded, forcing authorities to cordon off the area extensively for safety.
In a bid to control the situation, fire crews employed two aerial ladders to fight the flames from above. A special vehicle carrying approximately 1,000 liters of extinguishing foam was also dispatched to tackle the deeper-seated hotspots within the fire. Fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries among the emergency responders or local residents as a result of the blaze.
As the fire continued to rage, the local control center issued warnings to residents in the area, advising them to keep windows and doors closed and to turn off ventilation and air conditioning systems to avoid inhaling potentially hazardous smoke. This warning was initially issued around 5:40 PM, as the authorities assessed the situation.
However, by 8:47 PM, the control center announced an all-clear for the fire in Burg, indicating that the immediate danger from the fire gases had diminished. The residents were informed that the situation had been deemed less hazardous, allowing them to resume normal activities.
Despite the firefighting efforts, the situation remained tense throughout the day. Firefighters continued to battle the flames well into the evening, with reports indicating that the fire was not yet fully under control. The response involved collaboration not only from local fire departments but also from the Technical Relief Organization (THW), the Red Cross, and emergency medical services.
This incident marks one of the largest fires in recent memory in the Dithmarschen district, showcasing the challenges faced by emergency services when dealing with large-scale fires in areas filled with various hazardous materials. The response from the fire departments has been commendable, demonstrating their preparedness and resilience in the face of such a significant emergency.
As the investigation into the cause of the fire continues, local authorities are likely to review safety protocols and emergency response strategies to mitigate the impact of similar incidents in the future. Community members are left reflecting on the rapid escalation of the fire and the heroic efforts of the firefighters who risked their safety to protect lives and property.
