Overview

• The abandoned doll factory in Nossen, a site of historical significance, was completely destroyed in a fire that began in the roof area on Tuesday evening.
• Authorities suspect arson as the cause, with police seeking witnesses, including three teenagers seen near the site before the fire started.
• Firefighters battled the blaze for over 18 hours, but the building's structural instability prevented them from entering to extinguish the flames directly.
• The factory, unused since 1972, had been a gathering spot for local youth and was slated for redevelopment in 2018, though the project stalled due to financial issues.
• The fire has highlighted long-standing community challenges, including the lack of recreational spaces for youth and the unresolved future of the site.