Basement fire in Eichen: Smoke detectors save seniors' lives and more!

Basement fire in Eichen: Smoke detectors save seniors' lives and more!

On August 12, 2025 at around 11:20 a.m., the fire department was called to a basement fire in a residential building on Brauhausweg in Eichen, Kreuztal. The reason for the operation was a complete fire in an appliance, probably a washing machine or dryer. This scenario once again illustrates how important fire protection is in basement rooms. As wirsiegen.de reports, the smoke detectors sounded the alarm in good time, which enabled the two affected residents, an older couple, to escape outside in time.

The emergency services were quickly on site and quickly brought the fire under control. The basement was heavily smoked and filled with soot, which is why the fire department immediately used fans to ventilate the building. An employee of the Kreuztal public order office was also present to provide support. There is currently no reliable information available about the cause of the fire or the extent of the damage. However, a technical defect cannot be ruled out.

Fire protection in basement rooms: A constant risk

Basements in residential buildings represent a risk for fire protection that should not be underestimated. In accordance with the requirements of TÜV SÜD, it is pointed out that, despite the lack of legal regulations for smoke detectors in basements, it is important to pay attention to fire protection regulations. As stipulated in the building regulations and combustion regulations, basement areas are often not adequately equipped with safety measures. Tenants are bound to the fire protection regulations by their rental agreement and the house rules.

One of the most common mistakes many renters make is improperly storing flammable materials in the basement. This includes highly flammable substances such as fuels and disinfectants, the storage of which is strictly prohibited there. TÜV SÜD has found that many tenants are often not informed about the relevant regulations, which poses a safety risk. This makes it all the more important to recognize dangers early, as was fortunately achieved in Eichen.

Preventive measures and regulations

To minimize the risk of a basement fire, landlords and tenants should take equal responsibility. Important fire protection measures can already be integrated into new buildings, while old buildings often lag behind in this respect. Recommendations include installing fire alarms, installing fire doors and keeping escape routes clear. The fact that there is no legal ban on storing combustible materials in the basement further complicates the situation.

Current rules state that tenants are not allowed to store flammable liquids, gas bottles or fuel-powered vehicles in the basement. Storage of clothing, mattresses or newspapers is also not permitted in order to avoid fire hazards. Furthermore, activities such as using the basement as a hobby room or workshop require the landlord's consent.

Overall, the incident in Eichen shows that a functioning alarm system in basements can be life-saving. Proper information about fire safety regulations is essential for both tenants and landlords in order to avoid such dangers in the future. Good fire protection begins with an awareness of the risks and the necessary safety precautions. Awareness and compliance with relevant regulations could significantly reduce the risk of such an incident.