On Thursday afternoon, April 24, 2025, a major fire broke out in several commercial buildings in the Goch industrial area on Höster Weg, causing significant disruption and prompting urgent safety warnings. The fire, which started around 2:30 PM, originated in a sorting hall for parcel returns associated with Haus Freudenberg, a workshop for people with disabilities. Fortunately, all employees were evacuated in time, and no injuries were reported.
According to the control center, health impairments could not be excluded due to the smoke and odors emanating from the fire. An official warning was issued at 2:55 PM, advising residents in the affected area to stay indoors, close windows and doors, and turn off air conditioning and ventilation systems. The fire department was on site with up to 120 volunteers, working diligently to prevent the flames from spreading to neighboring buildings.
Fire department spokesman Torsten Matenaers reported that the fire was brought under control by approximately 4:30 PM, but the operation continued into the late evening hours. "With a foam carpet, we ensure that any remaining embers are also under control," Matenaers stated. The fire department used extinguishing foam extensively to combat the flames, which had already spread to other commercial structures in the vicinity.
As the fire raged, thick clouds of smoke were visible above Goch, prompting the closure and evacuation of several surrounding businesses, including Hagebaumarkt and Edeka, due to concerns over potentially toxic fumes. The police reported that the damage caused by the fire is likely to be in the millions, specifically in the clearly seven-figure range.
Eyewitness accounts indicated that the rapid evacuation of employees from the affected facilities was executed flawlessly, allowing all 40 individuals to escape the danger before the fire department arrived. The fire had initially been thought to have originated in the workshop itself, but further investigation revealed the sorting hall as the starting point.
By 7:00 PM, the fire department lifted the warning regarding hazardous smoke levels, stating that no dangerous air quality levels had been detected during the operation. However, they continued to monitor the situation closely, conducting air quality assessments in collaboration with the district health department and the state environment agency.
Local authorities urged residents to remain cautious and to stay informed through radio announcements. The area surrounding the industrial site was cordoned off to ensure public safety as firefighters continued to extinguish remaining embers.
As the fire department worked tirelessly, the police launched an investigation into the cause of the fire, which remains unclear at this time. The community is left to grapple with the aftermath of the incident, which serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by industrial fires.
In the wake of the fire, the local government is expected to review safety protocols within the industrial area to prevent similar incidents in the future. The incident has raised questions about fire safety measures and the adequacy of emergency response procedures in commercial settings.
As Goch begins to recover from this event, the focus will shift to supporting the affected businesses and ensuring that the community is equipped with the necessary resources to handle emergencies effectively. The collaboration between local fire departments and law enforcement has been praised for its efficiency and effectiveness in managing the crisis.
Residents are encouraged to stay vigilant and report any unusual activities in the area as the investigation continues. The community has shown resilience in the face of adversity, and it is hoped that lessons learned from this incident will lead to improved safety measures and a stronger response to future emergencies.
