Stuttgart wholesale market fire extinguished after overnight battle; damage in double-digit millions
A massive fire that broke out Friday evening at Stuttgart's wholesale market, the third-largest fresh produce hub in Germany, was extinguished Saturday afternoon. Over 200 emergency personnel fought the blaze, which caused damage estimated in the double-digit millions of euros.
Outbreak and initial response
A fire was reported at a warehouse hall on the Stuttgart wholesale market in the Wangen district at around 22:45 on Friday, 3 July. When emergency services arrived, one hall was fully engulfed and flames had already spread to a second hall. More than 200 firefighters, Red Cross workers, and Technical Relief Agency (THW) personnel were deployed throughout the night. The fire department described the incident as an "extraordinary event" and said no comparable blaze had occurred in Stuttgart in recent years.
It is a very extraordinary event.
Firefighting challenges
Firefighting was hampered by the risk of building collapse, forcing crews to attack the flames only from the outside. The THW used an excavator to tear down parts of the halls to reach the seat of the fire. To meet the enormous water demand, high-performance pumps drew water from the nearby Neckar River, while boats monitored the river for contamination. Long hose lines were laid to distant hydrants, and turntable ladders were used to direct water from multiple angles.
The firefighting is proving challenging.
Damage and impact
No injuries were reported. The fire was brought under control by midday Saturday, and by the afternoon the flames were out, with post-extinguishing work continuing. Police estimated the damage at least in the double-digit millions of euros. The market hosts over 100 import and wholesale firms selling fresh fruit, vegetables, and flowers to hotels, restaurants, and other commercial customers. A large smoke plume prompted a warning for residents within a four-kilometre radius to keep windows and doors closed and switch off ventilation systems.
- Fire reported in a warehouse hall on the Stuttgart wholesale market.
- Over 200 emergency personnel deployed; water pumped from the Neckar River.
- Fire brought under control, but extensive extinguishing work continues.
- Fire extinguished; post-extinguishing work ongoing.
Investigation
A police spokesperson said the cause of the fire was initially unclear. The criminal police have opened an investigation and are appealing for witnesses. A structural engineer was called to assess the stability of the damaged halls.
