In Schönerlinde near Wandlitz, north of Berlin, a fire broke out at an asphalt plant near the Pankow interchange between 2:55 and 3:00 a.m. on March 11. A truck driver spotted the blaze early and alerted emergency services, but the damage is estimated at millions of euros. Police are investigating the incident in all directions, including the possibility of a politically motivated arson attack with a left-wing extremist background. A statement claiming responsibility, posted on Indymedia by a left-wing extremist group, is at the center of the investigation. The authenticity of the statement is still being verified. Due to the heavy smoke, fire departments in Schönerlinde, Wandlitz, Schönwalde, Lindenhof, and Berlin-Buch issued warnings. No one was injured, but the plant will remain closed for the time being and is expected to be unable to produce asphalt for at least three months. (moz: 14.03.26)
Claim of Responsibility and Possible Arson Attack with Left-Wing Extremist Motive
The suspected perpetrators claim responsibility for the attack in a statement published online. In it, they say they have “significantly damaged and temporarily shut down” the plant. Furthermore, the authors make a direct reference to March 11, the anniversary of the Fukushima nuclear disaster.
As justification, they cite the operator, labeling him a “nuclear profiteer.” The precise description of the method used is particularly striking. The letter states verbatim: “A good half dozen incendiary devices were placed at various points on the conveyor belts and on the power cables of the motors.” Investigators are now examining whether these details indicate knowledge of the perpetrators, while it remains unclear who actually wrote the letter.
Interior Minister Classifies Case as Arson
Brandenburg’s Interior Minister René Wilke is already openly referring to it as an “arson attack.” He attributes the act to left-wing extremists and strongly condemns the attack. Wilke declared: “I condemn the arson attack in Wandlitz in the strongest possible terms.” With this, the state government is taking a clear political stance early on.
The minister was even more explicit in his assessment of the motive. Anyone who attacks companies or even the power supply under the guise of climate protection is acting in a “deeply despicable manner.” Wilke also stated: “The security authorities are working at full capacity and are in close contact with the affected company.” Now, the public prosecutor’s office and police are to secure the evidence, while the state intends to hold those responsible accountable.
Plant out of operation for months, and asphalt shortage possible
The asphalt plant was apparently not operating at full capacity at the time of the fire. According to the company, the plant was already undergoing scheduled winter maintenance, and restarting operations was not planned until March 23. However, the damage significantly exacerbates the situation because, as things stand, the plant is likely to be out of operation for at least three months.
The consequences therefore extend beyond the plant premises. Thousands of tons of asphalt could now be needed in the region for municipal projects and work on the A10 motorway. This affects not only the operator but also ongoing and planned construction projects. The fire department responded from several locations with 51 personnel during the night, and their rapid intervention helped prevent the fire from spreading further.
Parallels to an earlier attack in Berlin
The case is reminiscent of a suspected left-wing extremist attack in early January in Berlin. At that time, several high-voltage power lines were damaged, leaving 45,000 households without electricity for several days. A left-wing extremist group, the “Volcano Group,” also claimed responsibility for that attack. Therefore, security authorities are now carefully examining whether there are any overlaps in personnel or ideology.
Additionally, the current letter has been linked to the “Switch Off” campaign. While a direct connection between the two cases has not yet been established, the parallel is striking. Although the power supply remained stable in Wandlitz, the incident once again demonstrates how vulnerable technical systems and critical infrastructure are. This is precisely why the significance of the attack extends far beyond the mere material damage.