Major fire in Backnang: Millions in damage to recycling company!

Major fire in Backnang: Millions in damage to recycling company!

On the night of Tuesday, June 3, 2025, a major fire broke out in a recycling company in Backnang, which resulted in a significant fire brigade deployment. The fire occurred in a company warehouse where garbage burst into flames. The fire department was alerted at 10:06 p.m. and fought against the flames, which had already engulfed the entire hall when they arrived. Despite these dramatic circumstances, fortunately there were no injuries, as the police announced. The property damage is estimated to be in the single-digit million range, although the exact amount is still being determined as the cause of the fire remains unclear.

Over 130 firefighters and additional rescue workers were deployed on site. They worked until midday on Tuesday to extinguish the fire and prevent the flames from spreading. Dense black smoke rose over the city, prompting the fire department to inform the population about the dangerous smoke development using the “NINA” warning app. There is no longer any danger for residents.

Past incidents and firefighting efforts

The extinguishing work required the use of several turntable ladders as well as excavators and wheel loaders to remove the burnt remains of the hall. Heinrich-Hertz-Straße, which runs between Weissacher Straße and the B14, was temporarily closed. The Backnang fire department received support from surrounding towns, which made it easier to deal with the major fire.

The recycling company has had to deal with several fires in the past. The last notable incident occurred in September 2022, when damage amounting to 10,000 euros was caused. Another major fire on the site in 2015 led to the complete destruction of a hall. Experts suspect that the repeated incidents may be due to infrastructural difficulties or operational deficiencies.

The residents of Backnang who were worried during the fire can now breathe a sigh of relief. The fire department has the situation under control, but investigations into the cause of the fire must continue. Authorities take such incidents seriously, particularly given the repeated fire situation at this site. Clarifying the reasons for this fire remains of the utmost importance for those affected and for operational safety.

Overall, this incident highlights the challenges waste management companies face in terms of fire prevention and safety measures and the importance of efficient emergency plans to minimize damage and risks.