Stuttgart Fire Exposes Hidden Cost of Germany’s Fire-Watch Requirements for Hot Work
Published on 07/05/2026 at 10:14 | Redaktion boerse-global.de
When a massive blaze engulfed two storage halls at Stuttgart’s wholesale market late on 3 July, more than 350 firefighters fought to contain it. The fire, which took until midday on 4 July to bring under control, caused damage running into the double-digit millions. The Technical Relief Agency (THW) had to demolish parts of the affected halls with heavy equipment because of collapse risk. Fire crews maintained a watch until Sunday to prevent embers from rekindling.
But Germany’s legal obligation to post fire watches does not only apply after a fire breaks out. The law already requires them during any hot work such as welding or soldering. Brandwachen — as they are known — are also mandatory when sprinkler systems or smoke detectors fail. The legal basis spans several codes: the Assembly Venues Ordinance, state building regulations, the Occupational Safety Act, and the rules of the German Statutory Accident Insurance (DGUV). A fire watch monitors critical zones, conducts patrols, and is ready to start extinguishing immediately.
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For businesses, the cost adds up quickly. Market observers put hourly rates at €23 to €30. Though an expense, companies see it as cheap insurance against far larger losses — and necessary to maintain coverage from their insurers. Demand is currently high. Fire watches were deployed not only in Stuttgart but also on construction sites in Harsefeld and Erkelenz to secure hot work. After a roof-truss fire in Werfenweng, Austria, on 4 July, the local fire brigade organised an overnight watch, using water from a snow-making system.
A heatwave has made the situation worse. In Stuttgart, extreme temperatures on the evening of 4 July prompted an “extraordinary emergency deployment” (AEL). The fire department recorded double the usual number of callouts — including 25 vegetation fires within the city alone. Specialists advise companies to update their risk assessments for hot work during extreme heat. Consistent use of fire watches, they say, can prevent incidents like the one at the Stuttgart wholesale market.
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