Demolition of the fire ruins in Pirna: hopes and new plans for the future!

Demolition of the fire ruins in Pirna: hopes and new plans for the future!

In Pirna, at Remscheider Straße 1b, demolition equipment has been hired to put an end to the ruins that have been burned. Thomas Marquardt, co-owner of the affected site, reported that work has begun. But things are not that simple: it is still uncertain when the demolition work will be completed. Soil and waste analyzes as well as clarifications with the insurance company are still pending. Questions about the future use of the site are also still open, which does not make the situation any less complicated. When the buildings of the “Ostwind” flower shop and a kebab shop went up in flames on September 21, 2024, it shocked the community. Hanh Do Xuan, the owner of the flower shop, still remembers the night of the devastating fire vividly. The loss of his existence came as more than a surprise to him and his wife Thao, and their fate captivated numerous neighbors and friends who collected over 6,000 euros in a fundraising campaign to support them.

Unfortunately, the story of the fire on the Sonnenstein is not yet over. On Sunday morning, the fire brigade was called again because of a fire when unknown people set fire to old clothes in an open storage room. The dangers of arson remain a serious problem in the region. Although the fire department was able to put out the fire quickly, the damage to the property remains unclear and the old clothes are unusable - another setback for the already struggling community.

Community new beginning

However, Hanh Do Xuan and his wife Thao did not give up. After the fire, they opened a new shop on Straße der Jugend 2 to remain loyal to the community and build a new life. Hanh came to Pirna in 1999 as part of family reunification and has since built a life in the city. He had previously taken over his parents' flower business in Heidenau with his brother before finally becoming self-employed eight years ago. Even if their old place of work on Remscheider Strasse seems irretrievably lost, they do not rule out a return if there is an opportunity.

The criminal police have now started investigations into suspected arson in both cases. A look at the numbers shows that arson is a worrying issue in Germany. Many cases were recorded by the police between 2014 and 2024, and the number of unreported cases could be even higher. The current situation on Sonnenstein is an example of how arson can severely impact neighborhood safety and undermine trust among residents.

The future development of the site and the affected businesses remains exciting. For Hanh and Thao, returning to the old address would be a ray of hope amid the darkness that these terrible incidents have brought to their existence. After all, they emphasize that the Sunstone remains their home, no matter where they settle.

For more information on the fire incidents and ongoing investigations, see reports from Sächsische.de and Radiodresden.de. Further statistical data on arson can be found at Statista can be viewed.