A large contingent of firefighters from the Soest district was deployed to bring the fire under control. As a precautionary measure, the population was asked to close doors and windows via a warning app due to the smoke development. However, smoke measurements by the fire department showed that there was no danger to the surrounding area. Initially, it was feared that there might still be a person in the hall. Ultimately, however, this suspicion was not confirmed.

By 6.45 a.m., the fire department had extinguished the fire and handed over the confiscated fire scene to the Soest criminal investigation department for further investigation into the cause of the fire. According to the current state of the investigation, it is highly probable that the fire was caused by arson. As part of the extended investigation and search measures, a 29-year-old man from Werl suspected of the crime has since been provisionally arrested, but was released again after consultation with the responsible district court. The specific investigation into the origin of the fire, possibly involving an expert, is ongoing.

Possible witnesses who made suspicious observations around the scene of the fire are asked to contact the police in Werl on 02922-91000 or the criminal investigation department in Soest on 02921-91000.