A large fire broke out early Sunday morning in a vacant school building in Gorinchem, Netherlands, causing significant smoke pollution across the area. The blaze, which erupted around 5:00 AM on April 20, 2025, at the former Wellantcollege building on IJsbaan, was reported to be already raging when firefighters arrived at the scene.
Within ten minutes of the initial report, the fire department escalated the response to a medium fire, and shortly thereafter, it was classified as a large fire. Firefighters worked tirelessly throughout the morning to control the flames and mitigate the smoke that was drifting over Gorinchem. Residents reported that the smoke could be smelled from kilometers away, prompting the local safety region to advise people to keep their windows and doors closed and to turn off any mechanical ventilation systems.
Fortunately, no injuries have been reported as a result of the fire. A spokesperson for the fire department confirmed that the building's structure has become unstable due to the fire, necessitating the use of a crane to assist in demolishing parts of the building to facilitate better extinguishing efforts. "There is a section that is difficult to extinguish, and we are working hard on that," they noted.
As the situation continued to develop, it was confirmed that no asbestos was released during the fire, despite initial concerns. Asbestos tape was placed around the area as a precaution, but thorough investigations revealed that there was no asbestos present. Some pieces of insulation material and soot have fallen into nearby gardens, where residents can dispose of the debris with their household waste. The soot can be rinsed away with water.
By around 10:00 AM, the fire was reported to be under control, although fire crews remained on site to ensure that all hot spots were extinguished. The safety region advised that while the smoke had diminished, residents should continue to keep their doors and windows closed as the smoke lingered in the area.
This building has been vacant since 2015 and was slated for demolition to make way for new housing developments. The fire's cause is still unknown, and investigations are ongoing to determine how the blaze started.
Local officials have expressed their gratitude for the swift response of the fire brigade, who managed to prevent the fire from spreading further. As the community grapples with the aftermath of this incident, they are also looking ahead to the future development plans for the site.
In conclusion, the Gorinchem fire serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with abandoned buildings, and the importance of community safety measures in the face of such emergencies. As investigations continue, residents are urged to remain vigilant and report any further concerns to local authorities.
