Heavy-duty vehicles contributing to ammonia emissions, specifically during firefighting operations using certain equipment

In the heart of Essen, on Monday, July 28, 2025, at 15:00, the Essen Fire Department was called to a smoke incident on "Im Teelbruch" street in Essen-Kettwig.

Upon arrival, it was initially believed that a truck was on fire, but it was later discovered that only smoke was rising from under a tarp. The truck was carrying aluminum slag, a waste product from the metal industry.

As a precaution, the affected area was immediately evacuated. Residents in the surrounding area, including a nearby circus, were also asked to leave the area. Residents of an adjacent apartment building were allowed to stay in their homes but were asked to keep doors and windows closed.

Firefighters donned chemical protective suits to protect themselves from the hazardous gases, and a decontamination station was set up for them. Rainwater had reacted with the load, producing ammonia gas, which is irritating to the eyes, respiratory system, and skin.

During operations, firefighters came into contact with the hazardous substance and were decontaminated at the decontamination station. The damaged tarp of the truck was temporarily sealed with duct tape to prevent further reaction with rainwater.

Extensive control measurements in the incident vicinity showed no health-endangering concentrations outside the cordoned-off danger area. The Kettwig swimming pool was evacuated and temporarily closed.

After all measures were completed, the vehicle was escorted by the fire department, police, and LANUK to a specialized disposal company in Luenen. No one was injured during the incident.

The Fire Department Essen is the source of this content, transmitted via news aktuell. For further questions, contact Nico Blum at the Fire Department Essen: [email protected], telephone: 0201-12370104, fax: 0201 12-3820119, email: [email protected], website: http://www.feuerwehr-essen.com/. The head of the Essen fire department who can be contacted for further information about the incident is Jörg Wackerhahn.

The operation was completed after approximately four hours. The smoke was coming from a parked truck near Kettwig swimming pool. It's a relief to report that no injuries were reported, and the situation has been safely resolved.

Heavy-duty vehicles contributing to ammonia emissions, specifically during firefighting operations using certain equipment