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Cable Fire Triggers Berlin Outage, Leaving 45,000 Without Heat in Deep Freeze

Frozen ground is slowing repairs, pushing the earliest full restoration to Thursday.

Overview

  • Stromnetz Berlin is working on provisional lines and complex high‑voltage repairs that are constrained by persistent frost.
  • The blackout was caused by a fire on key transmission cables, and police say they have received a purported claim of responsibility that is under investigation.
  • Daytime temperatures near minus 5°C and nighttime lows around minus 12°C are compounding the loss of heating, hot water and reliable internet.
  • Officials and crisis advisers urge residents to relocate to powered homes if possible, check on neighbors and avoid open flames because of carbon monoxide risks.
  • Parts of Steglitz‑Zehlendorf, Lichterfelde and Zehlendorf remain affected, and some streets could regain service later than Thursday.