A significant fire broke out today at a shed belonging to a company specializing in aggregates, located in a rural area. The blaze, which ignited around 2:30 PM, was reported by neighbors who noticed smoke emanating from the structure.
According to local sources, the shed housed not only aggregates but also gas cylinders and a substantial amount of diesel oil—approximately 1500 liters. This combination raised concerns about the potential for a more dangerous situation as the fire spread.
Mees van Ooijen, a 16-year-old who witnessed the incident, recounted his experience: "I saw smoke and ran towards it, removing straw and pallets from a shed behind the burning one to prevent it from catching fire." Thanks to his quick thinking, the adjacent structure was saved from the flames.
The fire brigade responded swiftly, deploying three fire trucks and a platform truck to tackle the blaze. For about an hour, thick smoke billowed from the shed, drifting towards the nearby village. A spokesperson for the fire department urged residents to stay clear of the smoke, despite the pleasant weather. "We warn everyone to stay out of the smoke. Even though it’s nice outside, it’s important to keep a safe distance," they advised.
Initial investigations suggest that the fire began with a number of pallets located outside the shed. The exact cause of the fire is still unclear, but it quickly spread to the main structure, causing flames to shoot high into the air.
As of 4:00 PM, the fire has been brought under control, although firefighters are still on the scene to manage the remaining smoke. Unfortunately, the shed has been completely destroyed by the fire. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported as no one was inside the shed when the fire erupted.
This incident underscores the potential hazards associated with storing combustible materials, particularly in areas where such businesses operate in close proximity to residential neighborhoods. Fire safety regulations are crucial in preventing similar events, and this fire serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and preparedness.
As investigations continue, local authorities will likely assess the damage and consider measures to prevent future incidents. The community remains on alert, and the swift response from the fire brigade has been commendable in mitigating what could have been a far more disastrous situation.
