A major fire has completely destroyed the Pancake Restaurant Bloem located on Verlengde Arnhemseweg (N224) in Ede, near the Ginkelse Heide, early on Sunday morning, December 15th, around 1:10 AM.
The fire erupted shortly after 1 AM and quickly escalated out of control. Eyewitnesses reported seeing flames shooting from the roof, prompting immediate action from local fire services who were called to the scene.
The first fire units arrived to find the building engulfed. With flames reaching considerable heights and intense smoke billowing, they swiftly declared it as "very large fire" status to mobilize additional resources to combat the flames. According to reports, the fire was spotted by a passerby who quickly notified emergency services around 1:15 AM.
Responders faced significant challenges as parts of the building collapsed around 1:50 AM, confirming the restaurant was lost. "The smoke went straight up," noted fire department spokesperson Mirjam Feenstra, emphasizing the dangers posed by the rising smoke and flames.
Reports indicated the fire's destructive power was substantial, with flames seen soaring from the building. To protect nearby structures, particularly the historic restaurant Juffrouw Tok, the fire brigade prioritized their efforts on containment. Fortunately, Juffrouw Tok was spared from damage.
Motorists and nearby residents faced significant disruptions as Verlengde Arnhemseweg was closed off to traffic to facilitate the operations of emergency services. The road remained shut well past dawn to allow teams to completely extinguish the flames and account for safety.
By the morning of December 15th, with the sun illuminating the aftermath, the extent of the wreckage was starkly visible. Outdoor equipment and serving areas were left charred and blackened; the building was reduced to ruins. The remaining infrastructure was then deemed unsafe, leading to the commencement of demolition efforts.
"It’s really shocking," remarked the restaurant owner, still coming to terms with the devastation. He recalls another catastrophic incident from twelve years ago when the very same establishment burned down entirely.
Additional assistance was mobilized from neighboring fire departments, including Ede Stadspoort, Bennekom, and Lunteren, along with water wagons from various towns to reinforce the firefighting efforts.
The cause of the blaze remains under investigation, but reports of loud popping noises during the fire have left investigators seeking answers. No injuries were reported, and nearby camping facilities were not threatened during the blaze, alleviating fears for campers as fire crews managed to redirect the fire’s path effectively.
Despite the overwhelming force of the fire and its destructive capacity, the fire brigade's focus on safeguarding adjoining properties proved successful. Soot and smoke marked the streets on Sunday, serving as reminders of the disaster's impact on the community.
The Pancake Restaurant Bloem, once teeming with visitors wanting to enjoy traditional Dutch pancakes, is now only a memory after this devastating event. Local authorities have yet to announce any plans for the site, but the community is undoubtedly rallying together through this trying time.
Firefighters remained at the scene well after daylight to continue extinguishing remnants of the blaze. Their efforts underline the dedication and bravery of those who respond to emergencies, often facing unforeseen danger.
Overall, the Pancake Restaurant Bloem fire on December 15th serves as both a tragic loss to the Ede community and a reminder of the vulnerabilities businesses face to such calamities.
