Although the fire, which started around 12:30pm, was under control by 3:30pm thanks to the efforts of around 100 firefighters from 10 brigades, extinguishing chemicals, including solvents and phenolic resin, made their way into the river. 

Despite damage to the 2,000 m2 warehouse, none of the 800 company employees were injured.

According to the government communiqué, the German authorities were not only alerted, but they are working together with the local water management administration and CGDIS to contain the pollution. Tests are also being carried out to determine the extent of pollution and floating booms installed at Steinheim in a bid to reduce damage to the local ecosystem.