© dpa
Dark smoke rises from a factory in Neukölln. Pressed paper was burning in a hall there.
© dpa
Dark smoke rises from a factory in Neukölln. Pressed paper was burning in a hall there. The fire brigade is on the scene with a large contingent.
© dpa
Dark smoke rises from a factory in Neukölln. Pressed paper was burning in a hall there.
A major fire in a warehouse in Neukölln startled many people in the capital on Wednesday evening: On the one hand, a huge dark column of smoke could be seen over the city. On the other, many received an official danger warning with a loud signal on their mobile phones.
According to the fire brigade, large quantities of paper were stored in the hall on Lahnstraße in Neukölln. According to a spokesperson, the building burned to its full extent over about 5,000 square metres. People were not in danger, according to the spokesperson. Contrary to initial fears, no neighbouring buildings were affected.
The fire brigade arrived for the large-scale operation with about 120 forces and numerous vehicles. As the spokesperson explained, they could not enter the burning hall. Instead, they tried to extinguish the flames from several turntable ladders and with the help of equipment similar to water cannons. By the evening, the situation at the fire site was under control, according to the emergency services. On Twitter, the fire brigade asked: "Please avoid the area and keep access routes clear for emergency vehicles".
The Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance issued a "Danger Level" warning to the population at 8:50 pm: Due to the fire, there will be considerable smoke and odour nuisance. The south of Berlin is particularly affected. Residents should keep windows and doors closed and switch off ventilation and air conditioning systems.
A huge dark cloud of smoke could be seen from afar over the city. Photos of the smoke column were posted on social networks, and many users expressed their concern.