Major Fire in Essen: Multiple Blazes Strike City Within 24 Hours

ESSEN, 24 February 2026 — The city of Essen is currently facing a series of severe fire incidents that have stretched emergency services to their limits. Over the last 24 hours, three major fires have broken out across the city, including a massive blaze at a scrapyard in Katernberg this morning and a destructive fire at a vehicle workshop in Bergeborbeck yesterday.

Scrapyard Inferno in Essen-Katernberg

In the early hours of Tuesday, 24 February 2026, a large-scale fire erupted at a scrapyard in the Katernberg district. Emergency calls began reaching the fire department around 5:00 AM after witnesses reported a bright orange glow visible from a distance.

The fire has produced a massive column of smoke that is currently drifting across the A42 motorway. Residents in Essen, as well as neighbouring cities such as Herne, Bochum, and parts of Dortmund, have reported a strong smell of burning. While the fire department has issued an all-clear regarding immediate toxicity in some areas, residents are still advised to keep windows and doors closed while damping down operations continue.

Destruction in Bergeborbeck: Workshop and Car Dealership Blazes

This morning’s incident follows a devastating fire on Monday, 23 February, in the Bergeborbeck district. A large workshop hall belonging to a vehicle business was completely destroyed.

Key Details of the Bergeborbeck Incident:

• Duration: Firefighters were on the scene for over seven hours.
• Impact: Several vehicles and a storage warehouse were completely incinerated.
• Emergency Response: A “NINA” app warning was issued to local residents due to massive smoke development and loud banging noises (likely exploding tyres or fuel tanks).
• Casualties: The owner of the business alerted the authorities; no fatalities were reported in the immediate aftermath.

Historical Context: The 2022 Westviertel Disaster

The current spate of fires brings back memories of one of Essen’s most significant modern disasters. On 21 February 2022, a massive fire destroyed a large residential complex in the Westviertel district. That blaze, which occurred exactly four years ago last week, remains a benchmark for fire safety discussions in the region.

Current Safety Measures and Warnings

The Essen Fire Department remains on high alert. With three major fires occurring in rapid succession, authorities are investigating potential links, though currently, the incidents in Katernberg and Bergeborbeck appear to be independent industrial accidents. Residents are encouraged to keep the NINA emergency app active for real-time updates on air quality and road closures near the A42.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the cause of the current fire in Essen-Katernberg?

As of the morning of 24 February 2026, the cause of the scrapyard fire remains unclear. Fire investigators will begin their work once the site has cooled sufficiently for entry.

Are there any road closures due to the smoke?

While the A42 remains open, visibility has been affected by the smoke column. Drivers are urged to exercise caution between the Essen-Nord and Gelsenkirchen junctions.

How many apartments were lost in the famous 2022 Essen fire?

In the 21 February 2022 Westviertel fire, 39 apartments were completely destroyed, and many others were rendered uninhabitable due to smoke and water damage.

Is the air safe to breathe in Essen today?

The fire department has monitored air quality throughout the morning. While a strong smell of smoke persists across the Ruhr region, no hazardous levels of toxins have been reported for the general public, though keeping windows closed is recommended as a precaution.