Hamburg Port Warehouse Inferno Injures Five, Disrupts Ops

Fire crews are tackling a large fire at a warehouse complex in the Port of Hamburg this morning, sending dense smoke across Germany’s busiest seaport.

The Hamburg fire brigade said the alarm was raised late Monday afternoon. More than 100 firefighters and multiple engines were dispatched, but the facility—located in the Waltershof district near the container terminals—has been largely destroyed.

Authorities advised residents in nearby neighborhoods to keep windows shut as a precaution. Berth operations in adjacent areas have been partially restricted to maintain emergency access and because of the smoke.

A spokesperson said firefighting efforts will continue until midday. Five people have been injured, including one in critical condition and another seriously hurt. Twenty-five people were evacuated from the danger zone. Through the night, several compressed gas cylinders exploded, spreading flames to nearby areas.

Investigators said the blaze began in a vehicle parked inside the warehouse. The fire then spread to the hall, where multiple pressurized gas cylinders—believed to be filled with nitrous oxide—detonated. Burning debris ignited neighboring buildings and open spaces, and repeated explosions and flying fragments prevented crews from extinguishing the fire for an extended period. Emergency responders had to withdraw several hundred meters for safety.

Police deployed armored water cannons to assist, and high-capacity specialized vehicles from the airport fire service were also brought in to support the operation.