Kitchen fire in Meckelfeld: 100,000 euros in damage and injured guests!

Kitchen fire in Meckelfeld: 100,000 euros in damage and injured guests!

A monstrous incident occurred on July 15, 2025 in the Harburg district. A fire broke out in a restaurant in Meckelfeld, which was caused by a grease fire in the kitchen. With such a large number of guests - around 120 were in the building at the time of the fire - the situation was not without danger. Fortunately, everyone present was able to leave the building unharmed, although some employees were injured during the extinguishing work.

Three employees suffered smoke inhalation while trying to put out the fire, and one customer sustained minor injuries to his hand as he left the restaurant. The fire brigade quickly arrived on the scene and brought the fire under control. Nevertheless, the property damage is estimated at around 100,000 euros, although the police have not yet provided any detailed information about the severity of the damage to the building NDR reports.

Grease fires: an underestimated risk

The incident sheds light on the dangers posed by grease fires in the catering industry. These fires often occur when cooking fats or oils are heated above their focal point. A particularly dangerous aspect is that attempts to extinguish fires with water can lead to explosive grease explosions. When it comes into contact with water, the hot fat evaporates immediately, but the resulting pressure can atomize it over a large area - which can lead to deflagration, which can seriously injure people. Such explosion risks make it clear why grease fires are no longer assigned to fire class B, but since 2005 to fire class F Wikipedia provides information on this.

Grease fires are a common danger in the catering industry. High temperatures, open flames and combustible materials significantly increase the risk of fire. Technical defects and careless employees also play a role. This makes it all the more important to develop a comprehensive fire protection concept that protects everyone involved and avoids legal consequences. Measures such as regular training, functioning fire extinguishers and emergency plans are essential, it emphasizes Gastromatic.

It's better to be safe than sorry

This fire in Meckelfeld shows that unexpected situations can occur even in well-organized companies. Regular maintenance and the implementation of extensive fire safety regulations can significantly reduce the risk. The use of specialized grease fire extinguishers that contain alkaline foam can make all the difference in a grease fire. These safety precautions should be irrefutable, especially in kitchens where high-risk materials are processed.

In the future, fire protection assistants will be essential in order to be able to act quickly and safely in an emergency. Better awareness of the risks and adequate preparation can potentially prevent similar incidents in the future and hopefully ensure the safety of guests and employees. The current situation in Meckelfeld should serve as a stark reminder that nothing in the catering sector should be left to chance.