Gigantic major fire in Freiburg: millions in damage and injuries!
Major fire in the Hochdorf industrial area near Freiburg causes damage worth millions, insights into current developments and consequences.

Gigantic major fire in Freiburg: millions in damage and injuries!
On the night of October 1st to 2nd, 2025, there was a major fire in an industrial area in Freiburg, which caused massive damage. The fire brigade operation lasted several hours and pushed the emergency services to their limits. According to current estimates, the material damage caused amounts to between 50 and 75 million euros. Eight companies are affected, including a pharmaceutical company. One employee was slightly injured during the firefighting work, but was able to leave the hospital. The police have so far found no evidence of arson and the exact cause of the fire remains unclear. Police are currently unable to enter the fire area as post-extinguishment work is ongoing and dozens of embers have been discovered that may require searching and shoveling debris to complete the extinguishing work. Residents were told to keep windows and doors closed to protect themselves from the heavy smoke that caused ash fall in the area. It was reported that there is no health risk to the population, but foods such as crops should be inspected and washed before consumption.
The fire department was on site with over 200 firefighters to fight the fire, which broke out in a warehouse on Bebelstrasse and spread through the roof structure to other adjacent buildings. The surrounding streets were closed while the fire was extinguished to ensure safety. Eyewitnesses reported enormous noise and visible smoke that darkened the night sky. Those affected have received instructions via text message not to come to work today, which is putting additional strain on the situation for many in the region.
Consequences for the region
The effects of the fire are far-reaching. The commercial complex where the affected companies are located covers an area of approximately 40,000 square meters and the full outbreak of flames has left behind a huge amount of destruction. Affected companies will now have to deal with the consequences of the damage while the fire department continues to work to put out the last embers. The cause of the fire could impact insurance payments and the future development of the area, although police were temporarily unable to provide information to press officers as the investigation is still in its early stages.
Furthermore, the current situation raises questions about fire safety measures in industrial areas, as this is not the first incident of this kind. Those responsible are called upon to ensure that such disasters can be prevented in the future.
More news from the region
Additionally reported SWR about other topics in Baden-Württemberg that concern the public. For example, the region is heavily confronted with the problem of invasive species on Lake Constance. The quagga mussel is spreading here and a research project using roach has been initiated to combat this mussel.
In diabetes research, the University Hospital of Tübingen has found that weight is not crucial for the prevention of prediabetes. A healthy diet and regular exercise to lower blood sugar levels are more important. The health issue is also relevant with regard to the approximately 80,000 people in Baden-Württemberg who have care level 1 and are affected by current health policy developments.
In the traffic area, drivers have to be prepared for long traffic jams, especially on the A5, A6 and A81. This is favored by the upcoming long weekend. Today also has many other events in store, such as the football game between VfB Stuttgart against FC Basel and the start of the castle festival on the island of Mainau with numerous exhibitors in the areas of jewelry, decoration and fashion.
In terms of transport, the massive restriction on flight operations at Stuttgart Airport should be mentioned, where a cable fire caused significant disruption. Travelers are encouraged to inform themselves in advance about possible follow-up measures.
The events in Freiburg and the worrying developments in other areas illustrate how dynamic and challenging the current situation in Baden-Württemberg is, both for companies and for the citizens of the region.