Traditional Frost-Protection Fires Lead to Devastating Blaze in Kirchheim am Neckar

A farmer's attempt to safeguard fruit trees with controlled burns escalated into a 500,000-euro blaze, destroying a barn and damaging a nearby home.

A farmer in Kirchheim am Neckar used small fires to protect fruit trees from frost, a traditional method that went awry.
The fire spread from a fruit tree to a barn, which collapsed, and caused significant damage to an adjacent residential building.
Emergency services, with over 150 personnel, contained the fire, preventing injuries; an employee in the affected residence evacuated safely.
Authorities estimate the total damage from the incident at a minimum of 500,000 euros, with investigations into the cause ongoing.
The incident highlights the risks of traditional agricultural practices and raises questions about balancing these methods with modern safety standards.