Series of fires shake Nortorf: Police are investigating suspected murder!

Series of fires shake Nortorf: Police are investigating suspected murder!

The worry lines in Nortorf, in the Rendsburg-Eckernförde district, are getting deeper: there has been a worrying increase in fire cases there since the beginning of 2023. What once started with burning bales of straw has now turned into a real nightmare that even affects residential buildings. Constanze Becker from the Neumünster police reports an alarming “increase in the quality of the fire” and the strong suspicion of arson. The rumor mill is bubbling in the region while the police investigations continue with great concentration.

The most recent incidents include a serious fire in Schülp, which reduced a thatched roof house almost entirely to rubble and ashes on June 2nd. Fortunately, the residents were barely able to escape, but two of them had to be taken to hospital in Neumünster due to smoke inhalation. Over 120 firefighters were deployed to try to fight the fire. The public prosecutor's office and the police have offered a reward of 3,000 euros for information about the perpetrators. The investigation is ongoing into attempted murder and aggravated arson. In this context, the investigations into other fires in the region are also important, such as the fire in a thatched roof house in Dätgen on May 14th and the fire in a barn in Blumenthal on April 13th, in which there were also injuries.

Chronology of the fires

The chronology of the fires in and around Nortorf suggests serious connections. Here are just a few of the dramatic events:

• 5. Januar: Carport in Warder brennt; mehrere Fahrräder betroffen.
• 22. Februar: 80 Strohballen in Nortorf brennen; Feuerwehr im Einsatz bis 5.30 Uhr.
• 1. März: Feuer im Zentrum von Nortorf; Pizzeria und Eiscafé betroffen, keine Verletzten.
• 23. März: Gartenlaube in Nortorf brennt; mehrere Hühner überleben den Vorfall nicht.
• 6. April: Wilwarin-Festivalgelände; zwei Seecontainer brennen, Brandstiftung vermutet.
• 13. April: Blumenthal; Scheune auf Pferdehof zerstört, ein Verletzter.
• 14. Mai: Brand in Dätgen; Reetdachhaus brennt vollständig nieder, Nachbargebäude gerettet.
• 2. Juni: Großfeuer in Schülp; Reetdachhaus niedergebrannt, zwei Verletzte.

Police have already confirmed that they are keeping a close eye on the incidents. Press spokesman Sönke Petersen explained that the officials are closely following the investigation and are eagerly awaiting the results of the investigation. The repeated incidents suggest that there is a disturbing pattern here that cannot go unnoticed. Fear is spreading among the population and the police are urgently asked for information. Anyone who has seen something can contact the Neumünster criminal police by phone at 04321-945-0 or by email at sg5.neumuenster.ki@polizei.landsh.de.

In view of the constantly increasing number of arsons, as can be seen in a Statista survey, the pressure on the investigative authorities and those affected on site is growing. Citizens are required to be vigilant and to act quickly if they suspect anything.

In the coming days and weeks it will be crucial whether the police are able to solve the dark machinations plaguing the quiet community. The call for help is not an empty promise - it could be the decisive light at the end of the tunnel for some.