Cloud of smoke over Pasewalk: Fire brigade stops dangerous tire fire!

Cloud of smoke over Pasewalk: Fire brigade stops dangerous tire fire!

An alarming event on Monday afternoon led to heavy smoke on the western outskirts of Pasewalk. Three old car tires caught fire in an empty building, causing a moment of shock for nearby gas station customers. The fire department was called to Am Silo Street at 1:45 p.m., where a thick, black cloud of smoke was visible upon arrival. Thanks to the rapid alarm, the fire was quickly brought under control, as Nordkurier reports.

An attentive employee of the fire protection department of the Vorpommern-Greifswald district first noticed the fire while he was refueling. He didn't hesitate and immediately made an emergency call, followed by an initial survey of the situation. Through his quick action and the alerting of the fire brigade, something worse was prevented. The operation was successfully completed after around 70 minutes and the damage to property was limited. Fighting the fire was uncomplicated, which visibly made it easier for the emergency services.

Fire risks from tire storage

The incident once again brings the issue of fire risk when storing tires into focus. Tires pose significant risks: they are made of steel, textiles and rubber, the latter making up around 40% of the material. Due to its chemical properties, rubber is a potential fire hazard. Burning tires quickly develop high temperatures and give off toxic fumes, which makes fire protection all the more important. Safety engineer emphasizes that strict fire protection regulations are urgently needed to protect human life and property.

In March 2023, the Model Plastic Storage Guidelines (MKLR) were updated to create new standards for the storage of used tires and plastic waste. These regulations emphasize the need for targeted risk assessment and technical upgrades in tire warehouses. An effective fire protection concept can help to significantly reduce the risk of fire. Therefore, close cooperation with authorities, insurers and compliance with technical regulations are essential.

Legal regulations and challenges

The MKLR 2023 specifies specific requirements that include structural, organizational and technical measures. Tire warehouses that cover more than 200 m³ must be divided into fire compartments of a maximum of 5,000 m², and extinguishing water quantities of at least 192 m³/h over two hours are required. Inadequate fire protection can lead to dangerous situations, as burning tires release enormous energy and can cause significant property damage, as Feuertrutz points out.

Adapting security concepts to specific requirements is crucial. There are technical challenges, especially when storing used tires, such as the water-repellent properties of the tires and the high levels of smoke that make access to the sources of fire difficult. Effective fire protection is therefore not only a legal necessity for companies, but also essential to protect people and values.