Major fire in Monheim: Urgent tips for Erkrather citizens!

Major fire in Monheim: Urgent tips for Erkrather citizens!

On August 8, 2025, there was a devastating fire in a packaging factory in Monheim am Rhein, which resulted in a massive spread of smoke. Over 170 fire departments, supported by several surrounding towns such as Haan, Hilden, Ratingen, Langenfeld and Mettmann, fought against the flames. The German Red Cross and experts from the Federal Agency for Technical Relief were also on site to deal with the situation. On Friday morning, August 8th, the fire brigade was still busy extinguishing the fire on Niederstrasse. 

The consequences of the fire are serious. A dense cloud of smoke made its way towards Baumberg and Langenfeld, where it rose high due to the weather conditions. Hydrochloric acid, a harmful product produced by the combustion of chlorine-containing materials such as PVC, was detected in the outdoor areas of the fire scene. Since initial measurements showed no toxic levels, there was some reason for relief. Nevertheless, the State Environment Agency (LANUK) has taken wipe samples, which are expected to be evaluated by the middle of next week. Urban playgrounds in the northeastern area of ​​Niederstrasse were closed as a preventative measure, while the interiors of daycare centers and schools remain accessible.

Recommendations for the population

The authorities have issued urgent recommendations for the population. No home-grown fruit or vegetables should be consumed in the Monheim area until the laboratory results are available. The pool water also needs to be replaced. Furthermore, garden furniture and toys must be cleaned thoroughly with cleaning products; wearing gloves and an FFP2 mask is strongly recommended. Laundry and vehicles left outside should also be cleaned. Heavily contaminated green areas should be handled carefully using protective clothing. When it comes to lawns, mowing is only recommended with a face mask and gloves, and the cut grass must be disposed of with residual waste. Contaminated sand should be removed to a depth of three centimeters.

In an extended radius of up to 15 kilometers, including Erkrath, a visual inspection for soot precipitation is recommended. If there are any abnormalities, affected products should not be consumed. The city administration of Erkrath has already initiated measures to inspect the public play areas and remove any contamination.

Accommodation for affected residents

The authorities' activities also include support for affected residents. 15 people from the Niederstrasse area were accommodated overnight in the Hotel Zum Vater Rhein, who were unable to return to their apartments due to the smoke. Neighboring municipalities, including the city of Hilden, have also taken safety measures and are checking the playgrounds in their areas.

For further information on safety recommendations and measures, the official websites of the Mettmann district and the city of Monheim are helpful. These represent important resources for citizens who want to find out about the current situation.  Erkrath.now and Your Langenfeld are good starting points.