A fire station in Stadtallendorf, central Germany, was completely destroyed by a blaze early Wednesday morning, resulting in extensive damage estimated between 20 million and 24 million euros (approximately $21 million to $26 million) and the loss of multiple emergency vehicles and firefighting equipment. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries.

Reports indicate that the fire originated from an emergency vehicle within the station, which housed lithium-ion batteries and had an external power connection. Local media highlighted the absence of a fire alarm system in the newly established station. Experts had previously deemed it unnecessary, a decision now met with disbelief in light of the recent devastation.

Having been operational for less than a year, the fire station’s lack of essential safety measures has raised significant concerns. The head of the State Fire Brigade Association in Hesse, Norbert Fischer, emphasized that the incident should serve as a wake-up call to reconsider fire protection protocols at such facilities.

Fischer noted that the presence of charging technology and batteries in fire stations underscores the need for dependable fire detection systems. While it’s uncertain if the installation of an alarm system could have mitigated the disaster in Stadtallendorf, he remarked on the fire’s rapid escalation, indicating that it propagated “at breakneck speed.” Such events may prompt a reassessment of safety standards in fire stations across the region.