Fire devastates Nazi-era retreat in Bavaria, with 200 firefighters battling a blaze that destroyed the Kehlsteinhaus, known as Hitler's Tea House. Authorities detained a suspect near the site, as the building, a historical monument linked to the Nazi era, is now in ruins.
The fire, which broke out Friday night in Berchtesgaden, engulfed the 1938-built guest house above the Alpine village, a site once used by Adolf Hitler. Police confirmed a man was detained near the scene, though the cause of the fire remains under investigation. The building, preserved after WWII as a historical monument, is now severely damaged and likely unsalvageable.
Bavarian police said the fire, which was largely contained by Saturday morning, is being investigated as a possible arson. The Kehlsteinhaus, which served as a symbol of Hitler's regime, is now a ruin, with no injuries reported. Authorities plan to hold a media conference to update the public on the investigation.
The fire has raised concerns about the preservation of Nazi-era sites in Germany, with officials noting the building's historical significance. While the cause of the blaze is still unclear, the incident highlights the ongoing efforts to address the legacy of the Third Reich in post-war Germany.