Field fire in Leipzig

It was the evening of Sunday, 18 July 2021, and a fierce fire was raging in a grain field adjacent to the Leipzig plant. The fire brigade was alerted at around 10:40 pm and was able to intervene immediately, as the fire station is located opposite the field concerned. Almost at the same time, Mr Ralf Döring, BBG’s operations manager, was informed by a neighbour. He immediately made his way there and also triggered the internal alarm chain.

Two fire engines got stuck in the soft ground while driving through the field. Nevertheless, the fire brigade managed to set up a fire fighting position as the fire was spreading rapidly towards the factory premises. Because one fire fighting unit was nowhere near enough, the fire brigade called in additional units, including two water tenders. In addition, the maximum supply of water for firefighting could be provided via the plant’s hydrants, thanks to BBG’s maintenance readiness. To support the fire brigade, designer Robert Dietrich and works manager Martin Wilken each courageously sat on a tractor to cut firebreaks in the field with a disc harrow and cultivator and to free the stuck fire engines.

The fire was extinguished after three hours. They managed to prevent the fire from spreading to the factory premises and the neighbouring fields. The employees of the night shift who had been evacuated resumed work at around 1 am.

Many thanks to our employees and the fire brigade for their courageous and selfless efforts.