Germany: Fire prompts emergency response in Hamburg Jan. 13

Event

Emergency crews are responding to a large fire in at least two warehouses in the Stenzelring area of Hamburg, the morning of Jan. 13. The cause of the blaze is currently unclear. The warehouses contain plastic packaging material, prompting authorities to issue a hazardous smoke warning for several areas downwind of the blaze, including Veddel, Harburg, Billbrock, Moorfleet, Wilhelmsburg, Billstedt, Ojendorf, Oststeinbek, Glinde, Neuschonningstedt, and Reinbek. The fire has also prompted rail disruptions; numerous trains have been delayed, including local S-Bahn traffic and intercity services between Hamburg and Hanover.

Over 140 firefighters remain at the scene and efforts to extinguish the blaze will likely continue through the early afternoon. Lingering disruptions are likely in the coming hours.

Advice

Avoid the area until authorities give the all-clear. Allow additional time to reach destinations in the affected area; seek alternative routes to circumvent the incident site. Consider remaining indoors if smoke is heavy, especially if you suffer from a respiratory illness, such as asthma, or conditions that lead to increased risk from smoke exposure. Eye irritation is possible; flush irritated eyes with copious amounts of clean water.