Overview

• The blaze broke out late Monday at Schaustellerbetrieb Wollenschlaeger in Paaren im Glien northwest of Berlin.
• More than 70 firefighters fought the fire under heavy breathing apparatus as compacted materials and limited water supply hampered access to the seat of the blaze.
• Explosions were reported during suppression efforts and flames with a tall smoke column were visible for kilometers before crews contained the fire overnight.
• Owner Thilo‑Harry Wollenschlaeger said a full inventory will take days after early checks showed a marquee tent, an equipment trailer, stalls and decorations destroyed.
• The loss jeopardizes stock earmarked for upcoming Christmas markets, including the Wintermarkt on Berlin’s Schlossplatz scheduled to open on November 19.