Berlin Chemical Factory Fire Unleashes Toxic Smoke, 160 Firefighters Battle Blaze

A massive fire erupted at a chemical factory in Berlin-Lichterfelde, Germany on May 3, 2024, engulfing the multi-story building and prompting a major response from emergency services. The blaze at the Diehl Metal Applications plant, which stores hazardous chemicals including sulfuric acid and copper cyanide, has released a cloud of potentially toxic smoke over the city.

Why this matters: The fire's release of toxic gases and smoke poses a significant threat to public health . The incident also raises concerns about the environmental impact of chemical factory accidents and the potential long-term effects on local ecosystems.

Authorities have issued an official hazard notice, warning residents in the surrounding area of "toxic gas" and urging them to take precautions. People are advised to keep windows and doors closed, turn off ventilation and air conditioning systems, and avoid the affected area. The fire department has cautioned that the smoke plume is drifting north, impacting districts such as Steglitz-Zehlendorf, Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf, Spandau, Tegel, and western Reinickendorf.

A total of 160 firefighters are currently battling the blaze, which started in a technical room on the first floor and has spread across four floors. Parts of the building have already collapsed. Due to the intensity of the fire and the presence of hazardous materials, firefighters can only combat the flames from outside the structure. Specialists aremonitoring the air qualityto detect any harmful substances.

The factory, which has been evacuated, belongs to Diehl Metal Applications GmbH, a subsidiary of the German defense company Diehl. The plant is involved in theproduction, rate, defense, expressof the IRIS-T air defense system, a crucial component of Ukraine's defense capabilities against Russian attacks. However, the fire is not expected to directly impact the manufacture of these systems, as it occurred at a facility that does not handle the final stage of production.

No injuries have been reported so far, but as a precautionary measure, several nearby schools have implemented a temporary lockdown. Children are required to stay inside the buildings with windows closed and can only leave if picked up by car. If not, they may need to spend the night at the schools.

The presence of chemicals like copper cyanide and sulfuric acid at the factory has raised concerns about the formation of highly toxic hydrogen cyanide. Adrian Wenzel, a spokesperson for the Berlin fire department, expressed worries about the potential risks associated with the hazardous substances. "The building is now completely burned through on four floors. Part of the building has already collapsed," Wenzel stated, emphasizing the severity of the situation.

As firefighters continue their efforts to control the blaze, the operation is expected to last well into the night. The extent of the damage to the Diehl Metal Applications facility remains unclear at this point. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and have urged residents to heed the warnings and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety until the toxic smoke dissipates.

Key Takeaways

• Massive fire erupts at chemical factory in Berlin, Germany, releasing toxic smoke.
• 160 firefighters battle blaze, which has spread across 4 floors and caused building collapse.
• Toxic gases pose health risks; residents advised to stay indoors and avoid affected area.
• Factory produces components for Ukraine's air defense system, but production not directly impacted.
• No injuries reported, but nearby schools on lockdown as precautionary measure.