Major fire in Dresden State Operetta: Fire brigade fights flames!

Major fire in Dresden State Operetta: Fire brigade fights flames!

On the evening of June 6, 2025, a fire broke out in the old state operetta in Dresden-Leuben, causing excitement and a large number of vehicles. The alarm went off at 7:37 p.m. and when the fire department arrived, the roof of the building was on fire. The flames quickly spread to the main building, making extinguishing work even more difficult. It is surprising that no injuries have been reported so far, but residents of two adjacent houses had to be evacuated.

The damage caused by the fire is considerable, and the dark smoke moving towards Heidenau is causing worried faces around the Leuben and Großzschachwitz districts. Residents within a one-kilometer radius were asked to keep windows and doors closed and to turn off air conditioning to protect themselves from the smoke. Over 50 firefighters are on duty, supported by several turntable ladders, to fight the fire. A fire department spokesman reported around 9 p.m. that additional emergency services were arriving to support and relieve the team, which was working under difficult conditions.

Traffic disruptions

The Dresden public transport company had to reroute lines 2, 46 and 65 because of the fire. Line 2 will be rerouted from the Leuben cemetery to Laubegast, while line 46 will also be rerouted. In addition, line 65 cannot reach the Altleuten stop. The Pirnaer Landstrasse is also closed in this context.

Cause and background

The investigation into the cause of the fire has not yet begun as the fire department is busy extinguishing the fire. Dr. Rainer Kempe, head of a citizens' initiative working on the revival of the former state operetta, expressed the suspicion that young people could be responsible for the fire. Possible vandalism is suspected in this context.
The building, which is now ablaze, has a colorful history and there were already plans to revive it, which are now in jeopardy.

On the same day there was a major fire in an empty building on the site of the Old Leipzig Train Station in Dresden-Neustadt. That fire was extinguished around 3 p.m., but the frequency of such incidents raises questions about fire safety in the city.

In Germany there are no comprehensive fire statistics that enable a clear assessment of the causes of fires. This shows how important it is to continually work to improve fire safety and take preventive measures to prevent such incidents. In recent years there have been repeated burnings in buildings and refugee accommodation, which make the situation even more difficult. FeuerTrutz provides statistics and insights, but the data cannot hide a lack of prevention.

While the fire department is still on site, one pressing question remains: What will happen next with the former state operetta, and what can those responsible do to prevent future fires?