Berlin nightclub Renate engulfed in flames
An investigation into the cause of the fire, which has now been extinguished, is underway
A fire broke out at Berlin nightclub Renate in the early hours of this morning, June 19.
A reporter for Berliner Morgenpost was at the scene, capturing footage of the venue ablaze.
The local publication reports that the fire broke out shortly at 2:AM in the front garden of the club, where at least one gas cylinder was found. No one was injured. One man was inside the building at the time, in his studio above the club, and got out unscathed.
28 firefighters from the Berlin Fire Department were on the scene to tackle the blaze, extinguishing around 100 square metres of wooden fencing and totally extinguishing the fire within approximately an hour.
The fire was largely contained to the garden of the venue, which is also known as Salon Zur Wilden Renate, although flames did spread to the building entrance and a chainshaw was used to enter. For the most part, the building is expected to be unaffected.
The area has been cordoned off by tape bearing the message "Halt, Police. Do not enter crime scene." A police spokeswoman said an investigation is underway into the cause of the fire.
Last year the long-standing nightclub announced that it will close permanently at the end of 2025 after 18 years.
The club recently posted that the “the future of Renate remains uncertain” while announcing plans for a flea market selling off club tech, merchandise and memorabilia.
Update 19/06: Renate has shared a statement, revealing the damage was contained to a small section of the outside and it will be open as usual today and across this weekend — read the full story here
[Via: Berliner Morgenpost]
Patrick Hinton is Mixmag's Editor & Digital Director, follow him on Twitter