Overview
- A major fire broke out at a recycling site in Iserlohn on Wednesday evening and produced a dark smoke column that was visible for kilometres as firefighters launched a large-scale response.
- Fire crews confirmed that two large pressed-plastic bales burned and they stopped the blaze from spreading to an on-site administrative building and neighbouring companies.
- Germany’s NINA warning app urged residents in Sümmern, Rombrock, Menden and Fröndenberg to close windows and doors, switch off ventilation, avoid the industrial area and follow local announcements because a health risk could not be excluded.
- Two firefighters suffered minor injuries during suppression efforts and a delivery driver received treatment for a mild smoke inhalation, while road closures and local disruption around the site were reported.
- Investigators are examining the cause after early on-scene accounts pointed to burning waste and compressed plastic, and officials warned that burning plastics can release toxic smoke and fine particulates that pose health risks.