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Massive fire in Erkrath: warehouse burns down – smoke has long been visible!
A major fire broke out in a warehouse in Mettmann on June 14, 2025. Fire brigade in constant operation, cause unclear.
Massive fire in Erkrath: warehouse burns down – smoke has long been visible!
On Saturday, June 14, 2025, a dramatic scenario occurred in the Mettmann district: a warehouse burned ablaze and smoke spread to the neighboring town. This reports Ruhr News, who had the heavy smoke development confirmed by a fire department spokesman. The characteristic smell of burning plastic was noticeable to residents far beyond the city limits.
The Erkrath fire department was alerted at 12:12 p.m. after the fire alarm system went off in a painting supply company on Roentgenstrasse in Erkrath-Hochdahl. When the first emergency services arrived, the full extent of the disaster became apparent: the warehouse was completely on fire and there were several small deflagrations.
Comprehensive firefighting measures
In view of the situation, a full alarm was immediately raised for the Erkrath fire department. The extinguishing work required extensive support from several fire departments from throughout the Mettmann district. At around 3:00 p.m. the emergency services managed to bring the fire under control, but the warehouse with an area of around 900 m² was already completely destroyed.
What was particularly disturbing was the large column of smoke that polluted the area. Therefore, the WarnApp NINA was activated to warn residents of the strong odor. They were urged to keep doors and windows closed. In addition, nearby discount stores and a parking lot had to be cleared, and four adjacent residential buildings were evacuated as a precaution. A bedridden person was transported to the Mettmann Evangelical Hospital.
Technical support and damage assessment
To fight the fire, the outer walls of the warehouse were torn down and a massive water attack was used with around 9,000 liters of water per minute. From 5:00 p.m., flames and embers were treated with foam. Two measuring vehicles from the State Office for Nature, Environment and Consumer Protection (LANUV) in Essen were requested to monitor smoke development in nearby areas, with measurements being taken as far away as the Ratingen city area.
The cause of the fire remains unclear, but operations went smoothly as there were no major injuries. Only one firefighter suffered a minor injury. A total of around 180 firefighters were on duty, including the entire team from the full-time station and the volunteer fire engines from the Erkrath fire department.
According to initial estimates by the Mettmann district police authority, the damage caused by the fire amounts to around 4.5 million euros. The subsequent extinguishing work is classified as lengthy, as work had to be done on embers under the collapsed ceiling structure the following night. The emergency services also used excavators from a demolition company to remove the rubble from the warehouse and thus reach the last embers.
The situation remains tense in the Alt-Hochdahl district as the odor nuisance is still noticeable. Written information was distributed in the affected households to inform residents of the necessary cleaning measures. A soot deposit that has been bound by the precipitation is recommended for cleaning with soapy water.
The investigation into the cause of the fire has not yet been completed and the criminal police have initiated further measures. Citizens can rely on information from the fire department and police to stay informed.