On Monday morning, April 21, 2025, the Essen fire department was called to a large-scale operation at a scrap yard located on Emscherstraße in the Altenessen district. A massive scrap heap, measuring approximately 10,000 square meters—larger than a football field—was engulfed in flames, with fire reaching heights of up to 15 meters. The smoke plume was so large that it could be seen from kilometers away, prompting immediate concern among local residents.
The first emergency calls came in shortly after 1 a.m. on Easter Monday, leading to a swift response from the fire department. Firefighters faced challenges accessing the site, requiring them to remove a fence element before they could begin their firefighting efforts. Using multiple nozzles and two aerial ladders, they engaged the flames, while the owner of the scrap yard assisted by deploying several excavators to pull the heap apart. This strategy was aimed at allowing firefighters to extinguish the flames more effectively.
As the fire raged on, a fire department spokesman reported that an end to the operation was not foreseeable in the early hours of the morning. To ensure an adequate water supply for extinguishing the fire, the department laid out a hose line stretching over 1,500 meters and deployed a fire boat from the Rhine-Herne Canal to assist in the water supply.
Approximately 70 emergency personnel were initially deployed to the scene. As the situation developed, this number increased to around 80 responders, all working tirelessly to bring the fire under control. The operation was complicated by the sheer size of the scrap heap, which required careful dismantling to effectively combat the flames.
In light of the extensive smoke, the city of Essen issued a warning via the NINA warning app, advising residents in both Essen and the neighboring city of Gelsenkirchen to keep their windows and doors closed. Authorities noted that the smoke was also noticeably present in Marl, approximately 20 kilometers away. The warning included instructions to turn off air conditioning and ventilation systems to prevent any inhalation of smoke.
Road closures were implemented in the area, particularly at the intersection of Stauderstraße and Emscherstraße, where access was restricted for safety reasons. Reports indicated that there were no injuries related to the fire, which was a relief for both emergency responders and the community.
Throughout the operation, the Essen environmental agency and the special unit from the State Office for Nature, Environment and Consumer Protection (LANUV) were on site conducting air quality measurements. Initial assessments revealed no elevated pollutant levels, although there was a noticeable odor nuisance in the vicinity. Officials confirmed that the smoke did not contain any hazardous respiratory toxins, alleviating some concerns among local residents.
As the firefighting efforts continued into the morning, the fire department utilized various methods to combat the blaze, including turntable ladders, multiple water monitors, and hand-held jet pipes. The situation remained dynamic, with firefighters working in shifts to ensure that the fire was contained and extinguished as quickly as possible.
The operator of the scrap yard remained cooperative throughout the incident, providing necessary equipment to assist firefighters. This collaborative effort was crucial in managing the fire, as the dismantling of the scrap heap was essential for effective extinguishing.
As the day progressed, the fire department issued updates indicating that the fire was still not under control by the afternoon. They anticipated that the extinguishing efforts would not conclude until at least the early evening. The painstaking process of pulling apart the scrap and extinguishing it continued to be a priority for the emergency services.
With the investigation into the cause of the fire now underway, the police have begun their inquiries to determine how the blaze started. While the immediate threat to public safety has been managed, the lingering effects of the incident, including air quality concerns and road closures, are expected to be felt in the community for some time.
In summary, the large-scale fire at the scrap yard in Essen has highlighted the challenges faced by emergency responders when dealing with such significant incidents. The collaborative efforts of the fire department, local authorities, and the scrap yard operator have been instrumental in managing the situation, ensuring that safety remains the top priority for all involved.
As the investigation continues, residents are urged to stay informed about any updates regarding air quality and road access in the area. The community's resilience and cooperation will be key as they navigate the aftermath of this significant event.
