A large-scale fire in Freiburg's industrial district has caused extensive damage estimated at a minimum of €50 million, according to police reports. The blaze broke out on Wednesday evening from currently unknown causes and continued to burn into Thursday, with firefighting operations ongoing throughout the night. One employee from a local company sustained minor injuries during the incident.
Approximately 200 firefighters battled the flames throughout the night, employing heavy machinery including excavators to contain the spreading fire. Police officials confirmed that through significant deployment of resources, emergency crews successfully prevented the fire from spreading to additional buildings. The surrounding streets were closed during the overnight operation as crews worked to bring the situation under control.
The affected area encompasses a commercial complex housing multiple businesses spread across approximately 60,000 square meters in the Hochdorf district near the A5 motorway. The entire building complex was completely burned out in the devastating blaze. Freiburg's Mayor Martin Horn described the incident as "one of the largest fires in Freiburg's history," while acknowledging that no serious injuries occurred despite the extensive material damage.
Authorities have stated they currently have no indication of arson but cannot rule out the possibility entirely. The fire scene remained inaccessible for police inspection due to ongoing firefighting operations. Local economic development officials have already initiated contact with affected companies to provide support in the aftermath of the destructive fire.
The mood in Germany's residential construction sector has improved to its highest level in over three years, according to the latest Ifo Institute survey. The business climate index for housing construction rose sharply in September to -21.8 points, up from -26.4 points in August, marking the...
The small German municipality of Schwanau in Baden-Württemberg has become the unlikely stage for an escalating conflict between local government and one of the region's largest employers. The dispute centers around approximately 20 flower pots installed by the municipality two months ago...
Baden-Württemberg's camping industry is poised for a record-breaking year, with camping enthusiasts flocking to popular regions like the Black Forest and Lake Constance. Kurt Bonath, chairman of the State Association of the Camping Industry in Baden-Württemberg, reported that many campground...
Hundreds of demonstrators gathered at Berlin's Brandenburg Gate on Sunday evening, forming a sea of lights with mobile phone torches and lighters to protest for diversity and against racism. The rally came just days after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz made controversial comments about...
Former German Defense Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg has firmly rejected media interpretations suggesting he supports softening the Christian Democratic Union's so-called "firewall" against the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). The CSU politician told Deutsche Presse-Agentur in...
