The Offenbach fire department and the rescue service experienced an intensive start to the year 2025 on New Year's Eve. Between midnight and 5 a.m. a total of 18 fires and 33 rescue missions were managed. A fire on the 11th floor of a high-rise building in Odenwaldring was particularly critical, in which a resident was slightly injured.
At around 12:15 a.m., the fire department was called to a balcony fire in the high-rise building on Odenwaldring. According to the police headquarters in Southeast Hesse, the balcony probably caught fire from a fireworks rocket. The flames caused significant damage to the balcony and an adjacent room. The resident of the affected apartment suffered minor injuries and the apartment is currently uninhabitable. Those affected were able to temporarily stay with friends. The material damage caused is estimated at at least 10,000 euros.
Coordination of fires and rescue operations
Parallel to the operation in the Odenwaldring, another fire was reported on Bieberer Straße. This was a fire on a balcony on the ground floor, which was also extinguished. A total of 13 small fires, including burning trash cans and bushes, were reported across the entire city and dealt with by the fire department.
The fire department had increased its forces and resources for New Year's Eve. The professional fire department was supported by Offenbach's three volunteer fire departments with over 30 volunteers who manned a total of five fire engines. This enabled all operations to be processed quickly and efficiently, even in time-critical moments.
33 emergency service operations and support from the district
In addition to the fire operations, the control center received numerous emergency calls for the rescue service. A total of 33 ambulances were called. Due to the high operational load, additional ambulances from the Offenbach district were called in to ensure care.
-Police are investigating arson
The police have started investigations on suspicion of negligent arson in connection with the balcony fire on Odenwaldring. Witnesses who can provide information are asked to call 069 8098-1234.
Physical altercation ends with police intervention
The police also reported another incident in Offenbach: A 23-year-old got into a physical altercation and resisted the officers who were called. He was taken to the station for further police action.
