On Saturday evening, a container of electronic waste caught fire on the premises of a recycling company in the Enzberg district of Mühlacker, in the Enzkreis district. Initial investigations indicate that a battery spontaneously combusted, causing the stored material in the outdoor area to ignite. The fire produced thick smoke that spread to surrounding areas, prompting the Pforzheim-Enzkreis Integrated Control Center to issue a warning about the odor nuisance from the smoke. Emergency services activated a warning app for residents in the immediate vicinity. Authorities also closed the nearby busy B10 highway. Approximately 120 emergency personnel were on site. Firefighters and police secured the area. The company building remained undamaged. The extent of the damage is still unknown. (tagesschau: 22.02.26)
Electronic waste fire triggers warning app: Protective measures for residents
The warning app was activated for residents and people in the surrounding area because smoke drifts quickly depending on the wind. The fire department also recommended keeping windows and doors closed to minimize smoke entering homes. This advice was for immediate self-protection, while the incident command continuously monitored the spread of the smoke plume. Neighboring communities also registered the smoke. The level of exposure varied depending on the location.
The control center issued a warning for the city area. Such situations require clear communication, as many people react to the smell of smoke with unease. Anyone out and about was advised to shorten their routes, while sensitive individuals were urged to be especially careful. Authorities have not yet released any information on injuries, and the protective measures remain in place.
B10 closed because smoke posed an immediate danger to traffic
Authorities closed the busy B10 federal highway for just over two hours because the dense smoke impaired visibility and air quality along the route. This resulted in detours, forcing secondary roads to temporarily handle increased traffic. The closure therefore had direct consequences for commuters and through traffic, while emergency services needed unobstructed access. Approximately 120 personnel worked in a coordinated manner, with the fire department, ambulance service, and police integrating their tasks.
The fire department focused on the burning container outdoors to prevent the fire from spreading to other areas. The fact that the building remained undamaged is also due to this prioritization; furthermore, the location outdoors facilitated access. A reliable estimate of the damage is not yet available, while investigators continue to examine the cause.