Fire erupted at a potato farm in Werther, eventually controlled and extinguished.
The fire that broke out at the Pahmeyer potato processing plant in Werther, Germany, on June 12, 2025, has caused significant damage, according to firefighters. As of now, the extent of the damage has not been disclosed by the police.
Local farmers are offering support by bringing water to the scene with their water tanks to aid firefighters in their efforts. The water supply via hydrants was reportedly heavily strained due to the location of the company slightly outside the city.
To keep the public informed, it is advisable to check the official company channels, local and regional news outlets, social media, and local government websites for the most accurate and current information.
Firefighters from Kreis Gütersloh, Herford, and the city of Bielefeld, along with more than 200 firefighters, have been involved in the firefighting efforts. Unfortunately, four firefighters and one employee of the company were lightly injured during the operation, and one employee was taken to hospital as a precaution due to suspected smoke inhalation.
The possible cause of the fire could be welding work, but it has not been confirmed by the police. A large cloud of smoke was visible over the site, and a warning app issued a message about the danger of smoke gases.
The Pahmeyer family business produces various potato products, including roasted potatoes, casseroles, and hash browns. The company employs approximately 200 people, and Junior CEO Max Pahmeyer hopes to resume 100% production in 4-5 months. The estimated damage from the fire is over one million euros.
For further updates, please visit the Pahmeyer Group’s official website or contact their press office. The company is expected to provide more information about the current operations, damage assessment, recovery timeline, impact on employees, and environmental and safety measures in the coming days.
To aid in the recovery process, the local business community may consider offering financial aid to the Pahmeyer Group, given the substantial estimated damage from the fire. As the company reevaluates its finances, it might be necessary to seek additional funding for repairs and the resumption of full production.
