Firefighters continue to battle huge fire at Hamburg port

A devastating warehouse fire broke out in Hamburg’s port on Monday afternoon, leaving at least one person in critical condition and another seriously injured. 

Firefighting and clean-up operations continued into the night, complicated by constant explosions and hazardous flying debris. Emergency vehicles and personnel were forced to retreat for safety on several occasions. In total, 320 firefighters and rescue workers remained on site throughout the night. Special armoured water cannons and powerful vehicles from the airport fire department were deployed to help contain the blaze.

A fire department spokesman confirmed it could take days to extinguish the last embers.

As of Tuesday afternoon, the main fire has been extinguished but smaller fires remain, according to local media reports. 

A fire department spokesperson said, "Extinguishing work is not yet finished and the fire gases on site are harmful to health," according to a report by NDR.

The blaze originated from a vehicle parked inside the warehouse, igniting several pressurized gas containers believed to contain nitrous oxide.

The resulting flying, burning debris set adjacent industrial areas and open spaces alight, with flames engulfing the warehouse and causing the roof to collapse just before midnight.

The busy A1 motorway near the fire was hit by falling debris, injuring at least one person and causing the closure of sections of the motorway, with traffic jams stretching for up to twelve kilometres.

Of those reported injured, one was in critical condition and one was seriously hurt.

A further twenty-five people were safely evacuated from the danger zone, with eight rescued by boat after becoming trapped in a parking lot.

Due to the heavy smoke drifting southeast, residents in nearby areas were advised to keep their windows and doors closed and avoid the area if possible. They were notified by warning apps.

Demolition of part of the affected building began in the early hours to aid targeted firefighting. Widespread traffic and business disruptions are expected to persist until the fire is fully contained.

With reporting by DPA.