Damage assessments underway at GSI/FAIR following major fire
06.02.2026 |
Following the major fire on the campus of the GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung in Darmstadt early Thursday morning, damage assessments are underway at GSI/FAIR. Thanks to efficient emergency procedures and the rapid and professional response of the fire departments, the fire has now been extinguished. The construction site for the future international accelerator center FAIR was not affected by the fire. The cause of the fire is currently being investigated by the relevant authorities. No one was injured, and there was no danger to the neighborhood at any time.
“We would like to express our deep gratitude to the emergency services on site, who successfully brought the situation under control with their competent and rapid action,” said the Management of GSI/FAIR. “An initial assessment of the incident shows that GSI/FAIR's reporting chains and the crisis unit functioned efficiently: the buildings and campus of the research facility were quickly and completely evacuated. Cooperation with the fire department and authorities went smoothly.”
GSI/FAIR will now begin a comprehensive analysis to assess the impact of the fire. To this end, the management is in close contact with its own specialist departments and the relevant ministries and authorities. The focus is on the extent of the damage to infrastructure and equipment as well as the consequences for scientific operations.
The UNILAC linear accelerator building was severely affected by the fire. Due to the incident, operation of the accelerator facility is currently not possible. “Our focus is on dealing with the consequences of the fire as quickly as possible and resuming research operations. We will take all necessary steps to ensure the continuity of our work,” said the Management of GSI/FAIR. (BP)
