Neuenegg compost facility fire triggers smoke warnings

A large fire broke out at a compost and wood chip facility in Neuenegg, Canton of Bern, on Monday evening, November 2, 2026. The fire involved several thousand cubic meters of material at a landfill site on Däleweidweg.

The intense smoke development prompted authorities to issue an Alertswiss warning, advising residents to keep windows and doors closed and to turn off ventilation and air conditioning systems. Drivers were also recommended to bypass the affected area.

Firefighting efforts were complicated by local conditions and water shortages, requiring the deployment of two water cannons from the Bern Cantonal Police to assist local fire departments from Neuenegg, Köniz, Regio Belp, and Wohlensee Nord. Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing.