Major fire in Rüthen: Millions in damage to pasta manufacturer and egg warehouse!

Major fire in Rüthen: Millions in damage to pasta manufacturer and egg warehouse!

On the night of June 17, 2025, a major fire broke out in the Hankerfeld industrial area in Rüthen, which severely affected local pasta production. The fire department was alerted shortly after midnight when flames blazed in the warehouse of the “Meister Goldeinudel” company. Around 200,000 eggs as well as numerous pasta, canned goods and cartons went up in flames. Over 100 volunteer firefighters were on duty, supported by the DRK, emergency services, police and the Soest district. The aim was to prevent the fire from spreading, which was achieved thanks to a fire protection wall and quick intervention by the emergency services.

The junior in the family business who discovered the fire tried courageously to put it out on his own, but suffered smoke inhalation and had to be taken to hospital in Lippstadt. It was also he who warned his sleeping relatives in the neighboring house, which may have prevented something worse from happening. At 12:52 a.m., the population was warned about the toxic fumes via the NINA warning app and asked to keep windows and doors closed. This warning was lifted at 7:43 a.m., while at 3:30 a.m. the fire department reported that the fire was under control but work was still ongoing.

Damage and consequences

The remains of the hall were lost from the beginning. An ignition around 1 a.m. created meter-high fireballs that created an incredible picture. An excavator was called in early this morning to access the embers and bring the situation under control. The owner estimates the total damage to be several million euros. The family business, which was founded in 1968, supplies well-known chains such as Edeka, Kaufland and Hit and is now suffering from a massive setback.

The exact cause of the fire is still unclear, which is why the criminal police (Kripo) were commissioned to investigate. Firefighter Kevin Hoebusch outlined the challenging circumstances: The heavy smoke spreads quickly through the valley, making extinguishing work considerably more difficult. In such a moment it is important to keep a cool head and work well together.

Fire protection and prevention

Such events always raise questions about fire safety. Although there are numerous statistics and reports in Germany, there is a lack of comprehensive and uniform fire statistics that could provide information about the causes and consequences of fires. Initiatives to improve fire protection are of great importance, as is regularly raising awareness of such dangers. Statistics on fire incidents, injuries and damage are essential in order to be better prepared in the future and avoid similar disasters; [FeuerTrutz] offers helpful information and statistics.

The fire in Rüthen is a sobering reminder of how important fire protection is and the impact such a disaster has on the local economy and those affected. It remains to be hoped that the cause of the fire will be found quickly and that the affected companies and their employees will get back on their feet soon.

For further information on this incident, read the reports from [Soester Anzeiger] and [WDR].