Recycling facility in flames - Firefighters allow Glutnester to burn under their supervision

In the small town of Riethnordhausen, located within the Mansfeld-South Harz district, a fire broke out at a recycling facility on Tuesday, September 2025. The incident was initially reported via a warning app, alerting residents about an odour nuisance due to the fire.

Ten fire departments, with a total of 15 vehicles, rushed to the scene to combat the blaze. To ensure an adequate water supply, a shuttle service was set up to a nearby pond.

The fire department allowed glowing embers to burn under control at noon on the same day, indicating that the fire was almost extinguished. Fortunately, no buildings were at risk during the fire, and no injuries were reported.

The exact cause of the fire remains initially unclear, but it is suspected that compressed batteries may have ignited the metal fractions, causing the fire. This report was first published by Mitteldeutscher Rundfunk before firefighters brought the blaze under control.

Meanwhile, in another part of the district, a money machine was blown up in Wallhausen, and the perpetrators managed to escape undetected.

In a separate incident, the fire department in Eisleben ended its operation after a major fire at a recycling plant. Up to 200 emergency services personnel were involved in this operation.

It is worth noting that further drilling for gypsum in the South Harz is prohibited by the Higher Administrative Court of Magdeburg.

We at SACHSEN-ANHALT continue to follow these developments closely and will provide updates as more information becomes available. Stay safe and informed!