Emergency response teams in the Ennepe-Ruhr region have been operational for a duration of seven hours, mobilizing 132 personnel.
Nine Fire Departments Battle Industrial Fire in Herdecke
On the evening of August 30, 2025, nine fire departments from across the Ennepe-Ruhr district and neighboring cities were alerted and dispatched to an industrial fire at Ewald Dörken AG in Herdecke. A total of 132 emergency personnel were involved in the operation.
The fire started at around 20:07, with the first fire engines from Herdecke arriving on the scene within five minutes. Upon arrival, the hall was filled with smoke, originating from an oven where plastics were burning. The smoke spread through a ventilation system of the production plant and released smoke into the open air via a chimney.
As a precaution, the population was warned via the NINA warning app about an odor nuisance, but there was no danger to the population. The smoke subsided after the exhaust system and its insulation were opened, extinguished, and heavily cooled. At 00:24 hours, the message "Fire under control" could be issued.
Meanwhile, a fire alarm was also reported at Millöckerweg, prompting the deployment of nearby forces from the Weather (Ruhr) fire department. However, upon investigation, it was found that the fire at Millöckerweg was only burnt food, and the deployment was quickly ended.
Catering was provided for the deployment forces due to the high number of personnel and the measures ongoing for five hours. Warm and cold drinks, rolls, and chocolate bars were provided for the forces during the night, along with opportunities to sit and rest in the rooms provided by the company.
After cleanup at the scene, it was handed over to the police for cause investigation. The district fire chief and representatives of the company thanked all deployment forces for their efforts. The fire watch was handed over to the company at 04:40 hours.
The Herdecke Fire Department could not specify the cause or the amount of damage from the fire. An all-clear message was issued via the NINA app for the odor nuisance in Herdecke at around 01:19 hours. The Hattingen Fire Department conducted a fire watch at the scene after the deployment.
In conclusion, the fire at Ewald Dörken AG in Herdecke was a significant incident that required a massive deployment of forces. However, thanks to the quick response and coordinated efforts of nine fire departments and the company, the fire was brought under control, and no harm came to the population.
