Bonn, January 26, 2026. A major fire at a tire storage facility in the Nordstadt district of Karlsruhe has once again highlighted the risks posed by improperly stored used tires. During the night leading into Saturday, large quantities of used tires caught fire on an area of approximately 500 square meters. Sixty-eight firefighters were deployed for several hours. No one was injured, and the damage is estimated at around €30.000. According to police, arson is suspected.
According to ZARE, the incident highlights the need for clear standards in the storage, transport, and disposal of used tires. "Used tires are among the most fire-prone types of waste. Fires are difficult to control and are accompanied by significant smoke and pollutant emissions," explains ZARE spokesperson Christina Guth. "Such incidents can be significantly reduced through structured disposal procedures and cooperation with certified specialist companies."
Certified waste disposal companies meet high standards for fire protection, storage concepts, and environmental regulations. These include, among other things, limited storage times, clearly defined storage areas, regular inspections, and the timely material or energy recovery of used tires. "Where used tires are stored improperly for extended periods, the risk of fires increases significantly – regardless of whether they are caused by negligence or intentionally," ZARE further states.
Nationwide, ZARE advocates for transparent, legally compliant, and sustainable waste tire disposal. Its goal is to connect municipalities, companies, and waste management providers, and to minimize both environmental and safety risks through certified structures. From ZARE's perspective, the fire in Karlsruhe demonstrates the importance of clear responsibilities and verified disposal processes – especially when dealing with large quantities of waste tires.
The ZARE initiative recommends that tire dealers and automotive repair shops take particular care when disposing of used tires and work exclusively with certified waste management companies. This includes requesting proof of certification (waste management company certificate; EfB) and inquiring about the further processing of the used tires. Otherwise, in the event of damage, the manufacturers of the used tires could also be held liable.
ZARE appeals to public and private operators of storage facilities to have used tires collected and recycled exclusively by certified waste management companies. "Professional disposal is not an optional extra, but a crucial contribution to fire safety, environmental protection, and public health," ZARE emphasizes.
About the ZARE initiative
The ZARE initiative is an association of 16 companies organized within the German Federal Association of Tire Dealers and Vulcanizers (BRV). The ZARE partners have made it their mission to raise awareness of proper tire recycling in Germany. ZARE informs motorists about environmentally sound disposal of used tires. With 26 locations, the ZARE partners provide almost nationwide coverage in Germany and the Netherlands.
The partners of the initiative are:
Bender Reifen Recycling GmbH, Containertransporte Wesseler GmbH, CVS Reifen GmbH, Danninger OHG Spezialtransporte, Erwin Welzenbach Spedition GmbH, G & K Recycling Utsch GmbH, Hartung Speditions-, Handels- und Transport GmbH, HRV GmbH, KARGRO BV, KURZ Karkassenhandel GmbH, Mondo Reifenmarkt GmbH, MRH Mülsener Rohstoff- und Handelsgesellschaft mbH, Reifen DRAWS GmbH, Reifen Külshammer, Reifengruppe Ruhr, REIFEN OKA – Reifenhandel
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Image 1: Major fire in Karlsruhe_1
Caption 1: Meter-high flames and massive smoke development characterized the major fire at a tire warehouse in the Nordstadt district of Karlsruhe.
Source: Einsatz-Report24®
Image 2: Major fire in Karlsruhe_2
Caption 2: The fire brigade was on duty for several hours with numerous personnel to bring the fire under control and prevent it from reigniting.
Source: Einsatz-Report24®
Image 3: Tire storage_SHORT
Caption 3: The major fire in Karlsruhe demonstrates the risks of improper storage and underlines the importance of certified waste disposal structures.
Image source: KURZ Karkassenhandel GmbH®
