The emergency services were quickly on the scene at the fire on the roof of the new GEOMAR building. They were able to bring the fire under control quickly. Photo: Marc Busse/GEOMAR

Update on the fire during roof work on the GEOMAR extension building

Information after the fire of September 13, 2022

News about the fire on the roof of the GEOMAR extension building on September 13, 2022 will be published here regularly.

Update October 14, 2022:

The first sampling results are available. Extensive samples were taken, which were analyzed for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), dioxins, PCBs and chloride.
According to initial assessment, the fire or smoke caused only local contamination.
Based on the analysis results, further parts of the building will be released for construction.
An expert will take further samples to continuously narrow down affected areas.
In November, it will presumably be possible to estimate an initial rough timeline for further progress.

Update September 22, 2022:

Publicly appointed and sworn experts continue to prepare a comprehensive damage assessment
In demarcated sub-areas in the building, specified work can continue after consultation with an expert.
Work on the outdoor facilities can continue, except for the entrance area affected by the fire.

Update September 15, 2022:

The roof worker who was slightly injured in the fire on the roof of the GEOMAR extension building has been released from the hospital. The new building had not yet been occupied at the time of the fire, so there were no other injuries. A big thank you goes out to the quick and courageous intervention of the emergency forces.
GEOMAR Director Professor Dr. Katja Matthes already had the opportunity to get a first impression of the situation on site.
The inner area of the new extension building (ENB) is initially closed for further construction.
Publicly appointed and sworn experts and surveyors for damage to buildings will be responsible for recording the damage and preserving evidence in the coming days.
Research at GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel has not been affected by the incident.
Work on the outdoor facilities can also continue under precautionary measures.
The time and cost schedules of the construction project can only be adjusted and updated after the expert reports have been submitted.

Press release September 13, 2022:

Fire during roof work damages GEOMAR extension building