Overview
- A police patrol spotted the fire around 4:30 a.m., and by about 7:30 a.m. flames had engulfed the building, preventing an interior attack.
- Roughly 80 Velbert firefighters are on scene with support from a telescopic unit from the Leverkusen Chempark works fire brigade.
- The entire roof structure has burned, the historic staircase is considered lost, and engineers will check the building’s stability.
- Authorities have closed the area including Bernsaustraße and urged drivers to avoid the vicinity.
- The fire service does not expect full extinguishment before midday, and the mayor called the situation a devastating low point for the city.