- Ongoing fire suppression efforts following the significant blaze at the chemical facility persist
After a significant blaze at Grillo Group's Duisburg facility, firefighters worked through the night. The fire department anticipated that operations might continue into the day, as they reported in the morning. Throughout the night, the number of personnel on-site was gradually decreased. At present, there are still 30 teams present. Due to the risk of collapse, the affected areas cannot be accessed.
The fire originated in the zinc sulfate section of the company, as a representative announced. It was discovered at 16:20. During the firefighting efforts, the roof of the manufacturing hall also caught flame, disclosed Ulrich Grillo, the company's CEO.
Smoke over regions of the city
Thanks to the blaze, a thick, sooty smoke cloud covered the north of the city, eventually shifting towards Oberhausen. The city issued an advisory, urging residents to stay indoors and shut windows and doors. However, a "all clear" was given in the evening. Measurements showed that all levels remained well beneath hazardous concentration thresholds, the fire department reported. The following morning, the fire department declared that all measurements had fallen below the safety limits.
As per the company, a single individual sustained minor injuries, attending to respiratory issues on-site in an ambulance. They were later discharged following initial treatment. No further injuries were reported, the fire department confirmed in the morning. At times, up to 250 personnel were involved.
Examination into the cause of the fire
According to CEO Grillo, the zinc sulfate manufactured in Duisburg is utilized as a base chemical in paper and textile industries, and as a dietary supplement, and is not hazardous. The facility, home to around 400 employees, was evacuated. A decision regarding whether and for how long production will be paused will be made in the coming days, Grillo mentioned in the evening.
The extent of the damage is being evaluated, and determining the exact cause of the fire is the main focus of ongoing investigations, the company stated. The police are investigating the origins of the fire, as per the fire department.
The large fire, initially starting in the zinc sulfate section, spread to the roof of the manufacturing hall during the night-long firefighting efforts. Due to the large fire, a thick smoke cloud covered the north of the city, affecting regions like Oberhausen.
