A major industrial fire broke out early Saturday morning at a company on Brechtsebaan, Schoten, leading to significant damage but thankfully no reported injuries. The local fire department was alerted to the blaze at approximately 5:45 AM.
The first responding teams arrived on the scene to find flames shooting out of the roof, as large plumes of black smoke billowed high above the building, visible from distance. Tina Boënne, spokesperson for Brandweer Zone Rand, stated, "Bij aankomst van de eerste ploegen sloegen de vlammen al uit het dak. Er is geen melding van slachtoffers," indicating the urgency of the situation.
Around the clock, multiple fire units were deployed to combat the fierce flames. Although the fire was not completely extinguished, firefighters managed to bring it under control by later morning. The response teams have been working tirelessly to keep the fire from spreading and to mitigate any potential hazards to the surrounding community.
The thick smoke, characterized as intense and black, posed concerns for local residents. Authorities urged those living nearby, especially those in the Bloemendaal neighborhood, to keep their windows and doors shut, as well as to turn off their ventilation systems. Mayor Maarten De Veuster emphasized the importance of this precautionary measure, stating, "We geven het advies om ramen en deuren gesloten te houden, al zal dat niet meer zo heel lang nodig zijn," which translates to, "We advise keeping windows and doors closed, though it won’t be necessary for much longer."
By 9:30 AM, officials confirmed progress had been made, with mayor De Veuster reassuring the public saying, "De rook is een pak minder dan daarstraks en alles is onder controle," meaning "The smoke is much less than earlier, and everything is under control." Despite the damage to the building, emergency services remained vigilant.
There are reports indicating the fire could continue to smolder for hours more, with firefighters opting to let it burn out under controlled conditions to prevent flare-ups. Initial assessments suggest the company at the center of this incident may be completely destroyed.
Residents have been advised to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities, particularly those with respiratory issues due to smoke inhalation. The municipality of Schoten issued alerts throughout the morning encouraging people to stay indoors as the situation was assessed.
Despite the rapid response and precautions taken, the impact of the fire on the local community and infrastructure will take time to evaluate fully. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported, and the successful control of the fire means the situation could have been far worse.
This incident highlights the importance of preparedness and response protocols for local fire departments when dealing with significant industrial emergencies. Residents are reminded to heed safety instructions from authorities during such unpredictable situations.
Ongoing updates from officials will be communicated as firefighters continue to monitor the site for any risks, ensuring the safety of the Schoten community remains their primary focus.