Fire danger on Usedom: Dishwasher sets holiday apartment on fire

Fire danger on Usedom: Dishwasher sets holiday apartment on fire

In Loddin on the idyllic island of Usedom, a fire in a holiday apartment on Saturday evening caused a stir. An elderly couple preparing for the next day experienced an unexpected shock when their first floor dishwasher suddenly burst into flames. Residents reported a strong stench and dark smoke coming from the building. Fortunately, neighbors and other holiday guests were able to make initial attempts to extinguish the fire before fleeing to safety. The fire department was alerted around 7:30 p.m. and arrived with a team of 18 firefighters from Loddin and Ückeritz to get the fire under control.

The emergency services arrived quickly and wore heavy breathing apparatus to fight the fire. They also checked the attic and the surrounding apartments for possible embers. The operation lasted until shortly before 9 p.m., causing property damage estimated at 50,000 euros. Luckily there were no injuries, but the holiday apartment remains uninhabitable for the time being. The owner of the holiday home was away during the incident and the affected couple was briefly accommodated in another holiday resort. The police assume a technical defect was the cause of the fire.

A recurring risk

The discussion about fire hazards caused by technical devices is not new. As Barbara Lyssy, a neighbor and landlord, said, such incidents are a major concern in her own vacation rentals. Concerns about safety are increasing, especially at a time when many holiday resorts are fully booked. Similar incidents have also happened elsewhere. For example, a kitchen fire was reported in Borod, which was probably caused by a technical defect in a dishwasher. There was a moderate amount of smoke, but the residents were able to leave the building unharmed. The fire brigade was also on duty in Borod and discovered that the device had overheated, which in turn posed a potentially high risk to everyone present.

It's better to be safe than sorry

These incidents highlight the most common causes of fires, which also include technical defects. In general, flammable work such as welding or working with equipment such as hot glue guns are risk factors that are often overlooked. Particular caution is required when carrying out such work, especially if it is carried out in private areas. According to the fire protection headquarters, this work should be carried out by trained personnel in order to identify potential dangers at an early stage and avoid damage. Proper handling and constant supervision of equipment used are crucial to preventing fires.

In summary, both vacationers and homeowners should be particularly vigilant to ensure the safety of their accommodations. It is important to be aware of the risks and be careful when handling electrical devices. For the affected couple in Loddin, this represents an unpleasant turn in their holiday, while those responsible in the region hope that such incidents can be avoided in the future.