Firefighters are battling a large and destructive blaze that broke out at a warehouse complex in the port of Hamburg, Germany’s largest seaport. The fire, which began on Monday afternoon, has sent dense plumes of smoke across the area, prompting health advisories and partial restrictions on shipping operations.

According to the Hamburg fire brigade, more than 100 personnel and numerous fire engines were deployed to the Waltershof district near the container terminals. The warehouse has been largely destroyed, with ongoing firefighting efforts expected to continue until midday.

The blaze originated from a parked vehicle inside the warehouse and rapidly spread, igniting several pressurised gas cylinders—believed to contain nitrous oxide—which exploded repeatedly throughout the night. The blasts scattered burning debris into nearby buildings and open spaces, further fuelling the inferno.

Five individuals sustained injuries, including one person in critical condition and another seriously injured. A total of 25 residents were evacuated from the affected zone. Owing to the explosions and hazardous flying debris, emergency responders were forced to withdraw several hundred metres. Armoured water cannons were dispatched by the police, while specialised high-performance firefighting vehicles from the airport fire service joined the operation.