Berlin
Despite the fire: the police detonation site remains in Grunewald
Vehicles from the fire brigade and police are due to the detonation of four World War II bombs on the A115 not far from the blast site in Grunewald. photo
© Annette Riedl/dpa
The Berlin police blast site in Grunnewald is to remain – despite numerous explosions from ammunition stored there as a result of a major fire. Meanwhile, four World War II bombs were detonated on the site.
Despite the big fire at the beginning of August, the blasting site of the Berlin police should continue to operate in Grunewald and not be relocated. “There is no alternative to the Grunewald explosive site,” said Interior Senator Iris Spranger (SPD) on Wednesday. “In Berlin there is no other suitable location for operating a blasting site
“In particular, the location of the square, away from residential buildings and still easily accessible, is a decisive advantage in view of the necessary safety for people.
According to Spranger, cooperation with other federal states is also not possible because of the longer transport routes. Further protective measures would be discussed for nature. In addition, they are considering buying a firefighting robot.
On Wednesday afternoon, four old World War II bombs were blown up in a controlled manner on the site. “Everything went smoothly,” said a police spokesman in the afternoon. Some of the stored duds were torn out of their holders and got hot in the fire and explosion four weeks ago, but did not explode.
The A115 (Avus) motorway towards Potsdam had been closed since Wednesday morning and was released again after the blast. The parallel railway line was also opened to S-Bahn and trains.
On August 4, a large fire broke out at the blast site. There were numerous explosions because the police store there the dud bombs, grenades and ammunition from World War II, mostly found during construction work, as well as illegal fireworks.
Interior Senator Spranger emphasized that there had been no major fires or accidents since the blasting site was set up in 1950 until the big fire in August. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.
If the blasting site were to be eliminated, there would have to be more frequent blasting in the city area with corresponding closures. Police explosives experts are called two to three times a day to find ammunition or bombs. In 2021 alone, 52 tons of war ammunition were found. In principle, the finds would be taken directly to the Grunewald explosive site after their dangerousness had been assessed.