Heavy-duty vehicles' ammonium emissions during firefighting operations - examining firefighting equipment's role
On July 28, 2025, at 15:00, the Essen Fire Department received a call about smoke coming from a parked truck near the Kettwig outdoor pool in Essen-Kettwig. The incident, involving a truck carrying aluminum slag, a waste product from the metal industry, led to an immediate evacuation of the pool area and its surrounding vicinity.
Upon arrival, firefighters found that rainwater had reacted with the cargo, producing ammonia gas. To protect themselves from the hazardous gases, firefighters donned chemical protective suits and temporarily sealed the damaged tarp of the truck with duct tape.
The operation, which was conducted jointly by the Fire Department Essen, the North Rhine-Westphalia State Agency for Nature, Environment and Consumer Protection, the city's environmental agency, and the Analytical Task Force, was completed after approximately four hours with no injuries reported.
During operations, firefighters came into contact with the hazardous substance and were decontaminated at a decontamination station that was set up for the purpose. Residents in the surrounding area, including a nearby traveling circus, were also asked to leave the area, while those in an adjacent apartment building were allowed to stay in their homes but were asked to keep doors and windows closed.
Extensive control measurements in the vicinity of the incident found no health-endangering concentrations outside the cordoned-off danger area. The truck was transported to a specialized disposal company in Lünen under the escort of the fire department, police, and LANUK.
For further inquiries, contact Nico Blum at the Fire Department Essen: [email protected], telephone: 0201-12370104, fax: 0201 12-3820119, email: http://www.feuerwehr-essen.com/. The name of the head or spokesperson of the Essen fire brigade available for further information about the incident is Jens Cordes.
The Kettwig outdoor pool was evacuated and temporarily closed. We hope to resume normal operations as soon as it is safe to do so. We would like to express our gratitude to the public for their understanding and cooperation during this incident.
