Firefighting efforts led by the Ennepe-Ruhr district's team, comprising 132 individuals, persist for a stretch of seven hours.
Fire at Ewald Dörken AG in Herdecke: Joint Effort by Multiple Fire Departments
A significant incident unfolded on Friday evening, August 28, 2025, when the Herdecke Fire Department was alerted to a fire at Ewald Dörken AG on Wetterstraße. The fire, which started in an oven filled with plastics, quickly spread through a ventilation system and released smoke into the open air via a chimney, prompting a public warning via the NINA warning app.
Upon arrival, firefighters found the production facility filled with smoke. The fire was declared under control at 00:24, and the incident commander reported "Fire out" at 02:30. A total of 9 fire departments from the Ennepe-Ruhr district and surrounding cities, as well as the control center of the Ennepe-Ruhr district, were involved in the deployment.
With over 132 personnel at the scene, the production plant and piping system were gradually opened using tools and reciprocating saws. The smoke from the fire subsided after the exhaust system and its insulation were opened, extinguished, and heavily cooled. The fire department Hattingen conducted a fire watch at the scene until 04:40, after which it was handed over to the company.
Catering was provided for the personnel due to the high number of personnel and the measures that had been ongoing for five hours. Warm and cold drinks, rolls, and chocolate bars were provided, along with seating and resting areas. As the logistical effort and the number of personnel increased, the Johanniter Accident Assistance was called to the scene with the supply and catering component.
Concurrently, a fire alarm was activated at Millöckerweg, prompting the Wetter (Ruhr) Fire Department to be dispatched there. Upon arrival, they found only burnt food and quickly ended their deployment. After cleanup, the scene was handed over to the police for cause investigation.
Michael Tillmanns, Einsatzleiter and fire chief, thanked all personnel for the laborious fire operation. Martin Weber, Kreisbrandmeister, added that it was good to see the close cooperation and integration of the fire family and the entire blue light family of the Ennepe-Ruhr district and neighboring towns. Representatives of the company also expressed their gratitude for the reliable fire department.
