Calls Grow for Production to Stop After German Tesla Factory Fire

According to a report from Electrek, a fire that erupted at the Tesla Gigafactory Berlin’s recycling plant early Monday morning increased calls from a local citizens’ group that has been fighting the project to stop production.

Tesla’s fire brigade at the Gigafactory Berlin needed to call for help from the town of Grünheide’s local fire department, where the factory is located.

A report from Märkische Oderzeitung said 800 cubic meters of paper, cardboard, and wood reportedly caught fire at the factory. It took several hours and 50 firefighters, including 12 from Tesla’s own brigade, to bring the flames under control. No injuries have been reported, and the fire did not spread to any other areas of the factory.

Although locals initially welcomed the factory, others objected to it because of its impact on the environment, most notably the local water supply.

Locals who have been vocally against the factory’s presence are responding to the fire by making calls for production to cease.

Grünheide (BI), a citizens’ rights group, has called for an immediate halt to production. Representative Steffen Schorcht said, “Our worst fears have come true. We demand a production stop until the causes and circumstances have been clarified and all safety-related measures in the water protection area have been implemented.”

Earlier this year, the same group called for Tesla’s production permit to be revoked following a paint leak at the factory.

Tesla has not released a statement regarding the fire.

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