Thursday, June 19
Fire in Friedrichshain: Berlin club Renate goes up in flames
Shortly after 2am on Thursday, a fire broke out in the garden of the well-known Friedrichshain techno club Renate. Dramatic video of the blaze, captured by a reporter from the Berliner Morgenpost, shows the flames engulfing the site. After receiving the alert at approximately 02:14, the fire department responded in large numbers.
The club was not open at the time, so no one was injured. However, it appears the venue sustained significant damage to its fenced forecourt, which is primarily used as a beer garden. Flames also reportedly spread to the entrance area, with emergency personnel using a chainsaw to gain access. Thanks to the swift response of the fire department, the fire did not spread to surrounding buildings.
According to t-online, local residents heard explosions before the fire broke out, and firefighters secured several gas canisters at the site. Whether these were a contributing factor remains unclear. A police spokesperson commented that foul play cannot be ruled out.
This incident comes during an already difficult time for Renate. The club is set to close at the end of the year after the property owner declined to renew the venue’s licence. The building also stands on land earmarked for the expansion of the A100 motorway.
