A large fire broke out in the Trier harbor on Monday afternoon, April 28, 2025, at the outdoor storage facility of a waste disposal company. The blaze, which involved a significant pile of metal scrap, sent thick plumes of smoke billowing into the air, prompting local authorities to issue warnings to nearby residents.
According to the city of Trier, the fire was first reported around 3:45 PM when witnesses noticed heavy smoke rising from the site. By the time firefighters arrived, flames were already visible, rapidly spreading from the scrap pile. The fire department quickly mobilized a large contingent of over 200 personnel to combat the blaze.
Residents in the affected areas, particularly in the Pfalzel and Ruwer districts, were advised to keep their windows and doors closed as a precaution against the heavy smoke. The city issued a public warning, stating, "Due to the strong smoke development, residents should keep windows and doors closed. Especially affected are the districts of Pfalzel, Ruwer, Biewer, and Trier-Nord." Additionally, people were urged to avoid the vicinity of the fire and to bypass the area widely.
As the firefighting efforts continued, the smell of burning metal permeated the air, reaching even the city center. Local authorities activated sirens in surrounding neighborhoods to alert residents, and messages were disseminated through warning apps such as Katwarn and NINA. The city also set up a live ticker on its website to keep the public informed about the situation.
Ernst Mettlach, a spokesperson for the city of Trier, confirmed that there had been no reported injuries, although one firefighter sustained minor injuries during the operation. "The firefighting will take several hours," Mettlach stated, noting the complexity of the situation. Firefighters had to use excavators to pull apart the burning scrap pile to extinguish the flames effectively.
As of Monday evening, the fire was still not under control, but smoke levels had decreased. The firefighting efforts were complicated by the need for personnel to work under respiratory protection due to the dense smoke. Firefighting water was sourced from the Moselle River, and precautions were taken to collect the water on-site to prevent pollution.
Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the fire, and investigations will begin once the flames are under control. No hazardous substances have been detected in the air as of the latest reports, alleviating initial concerns about air quality. ABC measurement vehicles were deployed in various districts to monitor pollutant levels.
The fire at the waste disposal company in Trier is a stark reminder of the potential hazards associated with industrial operations. As the situation unfolds, local officials are working diligently to manage the crisis and ensure the safety of residents. The public has been urged to remain vigilant and heed warnings from authorities as the firefighting efforts continue into the night.
As of now, the city remains on high alert, with emergency services prepared for any further developments. Residents are encouraged to stay updated through official channels and to report any emergencies to the appropriate authorities.
