A major fire broke out early Wednesday morning at an industrial complex located in Deurne, Netherlands, causing significant damage but fortunately no reported injuries.
The fire started around 7:15 AM, originating from the roof of the building. Strong winds exacerbated the situation, allowing flames to rapidly spread across the property. Firefighters were alerted to the situation by residents, most prominently by a woman who spotted smoke as she passed by on her bike. "If we hadn't been called, the entire building would have been lost," the fire department stated, underscoring the importance of their timely response.
By approximately 11:00 AM, local fire brigades reported they had the fire under control; they remained on-site to address remaining hot spots. The complex houses various businesses, including Janssens Kassasystemen, owned by Jeroen van Tol. His establishment, located on the side of the complex, suffered smoke damage but escaped more severe destruction.
"It was shocking. You wake up suddenly," Van Tol remarked, describing his reaction upon receiving the alarming phone call about the fire. Fortunately, the flames affected the back of his business. "It looks sad, but at least we keep our heads above water," he added. The firefighting efforts have impressed him with their professionalism, though he remains anxious about the lasting effects of the incident.
Local authorities sent out a NL Alert, warning residents to keep windows and doors shut to avoid smoke inhalation, leading to heightened community awareness about the fire's severity. The building’s structure became unstable, prompting police to confirm, "The building is now too unstable to enter," and limiting the firefighting crews' ability to combat flames directly inside the structure.
Although significant firefighting resources were deployed, including assistance from the Specialist Firefighting Unit (SBE) from Limburg, the action proved challenging due to the building's layout. The unit was called to help manage the fire from inside. The industrial complex lacked adequate fire separations, compounding the emergency as multiple businesses operated without such protections.
While investigators look for clues indicating the fire's cause, they encountered fireworks remnants near the scene. "First observations seem to rule out fireworks as the cause, but it's too early for definitive conclusions," said the police spokesperson shortly after the incident.
Despite the chaos, the community is banding together. Shelters have been organized for affected businesses, including offering space to those displaced by the fire. Current estimates suggest damage will take significant time to assess fully. Van Tol is hopeful the damages are manageable, but uncertainty lies around the future of his business. "You don't want to start the year like this," he sighed, evaluating the ruinous sight left behind.
Fire teams are focusing on securing the area and ensuring no individuals are left inside the premises, which is now deemed safe. They noted, initially, they had feared someone could be trapped within the building, but later assessments confirmed no one was inside when the fire broke out.
The impact of the fire on the local economy remains uncertain, but community leaders recognize the need to support those affected by the chaos. Residents are reminded to remain cautious and attentive to safety alerts as investigations continue, setting the stage for potential discussions on improving local safety and prevention methods for similar emergencies.
With the fire under control, Deurne looks to rebuild and support its local businesses, as the community rallies to recover from the early morning fire's devastating effects.