Roof fire in Altencelle: Fire brigade fights flames!

Roof fire in Altencelle: Fire brigade fights flames!

You don't have an Oktoberfest very often: When the Celle fire department was alerted on July 3, 2025 at 6:29 p.m., a fire broke out on Kuesterstrasse, Altencelle. The keyword “Multi-family house is on fire” gave rise to fears of the worst, but as it turned out, fortunately there were no people in danger. Despite suspicious smoke coming thick from the roof, the pale flames were reminiscent of cold weather and a cozy cup of tea.

When they arrived on site, the emergency services found themselves standing in front of a burning roof structure of an apartment building. The fire was quickly brought under control with a courageous interior attack using two C-pipes and breathing apparatus.

Efficient firefighting

The fire department used a turntable ladder to open the roof and fight the inferno directly from above. Thanks to the combination of quick response and good teamwork, the flame was quickly brought under control, preventing it from spreading further. But the extinguishing work continued over a longer period of time. Not only the Altencelle fire department, but also the Celle main station, the logistics group, the rescue service and the Celle police were involved in the operation.

Another example of such dangerous situations took place on March 22, 2025 in Horn-Bad Meinberg. There was a roof fire in an apartment building with an incredible 19 apartments. This alarm, which came in at 7:37 a.m. with the keyword “Fire 3 – Roof structure fire with lives at risk,” required over 100 emergency services. But despite the panicked looks at burning walls, more than 30 people were able to be brought to safety independently.

Safety first

The situation became particularly dangerous when the operations management increased the keyword to “Fire 4 – building fire with human lives in danger”. In order to efficiently manage not only the fire, but also the impending risk of collapse, technical advisors from the THW were also consulted. The interior attack had to be stopped here because around 550 m² of the roof was fully engulfed in flames. Extinguishing measures involved two turntable ladders and wetting agents were used to finally put the fire under control.

But what is causing so many houses to be in danger? A look at the IFS shows that, in addition to human error, it is often technical defects that cause fires. These preventive insights could effectively strengthen future protective measures and help ensure that fewer people are forced into such dangerous situations.

The Celle fire department and all units involved can prepare for the next operations. A good knack for reacting quickly and a well-thought-out strategy can save lives and prevent major damage in an emergency.