Berlin police investigate arson after refugee shelter fire

Police in Berlin are investigating a case of suspected aggravated arson following a fire at a refugee shelter in the Spandau district. The incident occurred in the early hours of a Saturday morning in a six-story building designed to accommodate approximately 1,200 people.

The fire broke out on the fourth floor, involving furniture and debris. The resulting smoke spread through the hallways and stairwells, reaching the top floor. While hundreds of residents managed to evacuate the building independently, four individuals were injured by smoke inhalation, three of whom required hospitalization.

Firefighters spent approximately two hours extinguishing the flames. The affected floor has been declared uninhabitable, and local authorities are working to rehouse approximately 50 to 60 displaced residents. Investigators noted that the high number of people and language barriers presented significant challenges during the emergency response.