A large fire erupted on Monday evening at Wendlingen's Otto-Quartier, causing extensive damage and requiring the rapid response of multiple firefighting units.
Initial reports indicated smoke being observed from the roof of the building around 9 PM. The Wendlingen Fire Department initially responded to what appeared to be a small fire but quickly found themselves battling a significant blaze as flames shot up meter-high. Consequently, fire units from Plochingen, Köngen, Oberboihingen, Wernau, and other nearby towns joined the effort to contain the fire and prevent its spread to adjacent structures, including a newly constructed wooden parking garage.
Emergency services were fully engaged, with approximately 150 firefighters mobilized to tackle the fire. According to the police, the area surrounding the Otto-Quartier was cordoned off to secure the scene and direct traffic away from the conflagration. At the same time, the illuminated flames impacted train operations, temporarily halting services at Wendlingen station.
The operational response included the utilization of multiple aerial ladders. "The flames were already meter-high when the fire services arrived on site," reported a police spokesperson, highlighting the urgent necessity for quick action. The challenge of fighting the fire was exacerbated by strong winds which facilitated a rapid spread throughout the empty factory building, now completely reduced to ruins.
Based on preliminary assessments by the police, the estimated material loss runs to several million euros. The vacant condition of the building, which had been part of the industrial sector, means there were no occupants; fortunately, no injuries were reported. Despite this, heavy smoke drifted across the vicinity, prompting warnings about air quality and precautionary measures for residents in the area.
Train routes affected included the S1 line of the Stuttgart S-Bahn, which experienced temporary service disruptions due to the fire's intensity. "About 150 emergency workers were on the scene,” stated officials, emphasizing the scale and coordination required for such firefighting operations. A police helicopter was also deployed to monitor the situation from above and provide support to ground teams battling the raging fire.
Witnesses described the scene, stating how the intense flames lit up the night sky, creating an eerie but captivating sight. Local residents watched as authorities fought tirelessly throughout the night, with firefighters stating their efforts could extend well beyond the evening and potentially persist until Tuesday morning.
While operations to extinguish the fire were underway, authorities took immediate steps to investigate the cause of the blaze. The local police department has initiated inquiries to ascertain how the fire started, which remains unknown at this time.
Detectives from the local criminal police were appointed to lead the investigation, ensuring thorough examinations of the site's remains once it is safe. The police have committed to sharing any developments as their investigations progress. Significantly, they emphasized there was no risk to the public, even with the considerable smoke and fire present.
This incident marks one of the most extensive fire emergencies witnessed at the Otto-Quartier, with fire units overwhelmed by both the scale of the disaster and the extensive coordination required across departments. Authorities remain vigilant as the fires are put out and investigations continue, hopeful for answers surrounding this dramatic event.
