HEERHUGOWAARD - A significant fire erupted in a shed behind a house on Reina Prinsen Geerlingstuin on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at approximately 14:30. The blaze produced thick black smoke that could be seen from a considerable distance, prompting the emergency services to respond quickly.
According to reports, the fire department received the first alert just before 14:30, and multiple fire trucks were dispatched to the scene to combat the flames. The situation escalated rapidly, leading the authorities to scale up their response efforts. By 14:50, the fire was reported to be under control, but not before it had caused extensive damage to the shed and surrounding gardens.
The fire's intensity was such that it completely destroyed the shed where it originated, and neighboring gardens also sustained damage. Residents in the vicinity were advised by the Veiligheidsregio Noord-Holland Noord to keep their windows and doors shut to mitigate the effects of the smoke. The black plumes of smoke were visible as far away as Broek op Langedijk, raising concerns among local residents.
As the situation unfolded, police cordoned off the area to ensure public safety. Two ambulances were dispatched to the scene, although at the time of reporting, it was unclear whether anyone had sustained injuries. The fire department also conducted checks on nearby homes for carbon monoxide presence, ensuring that residents could return safely once the area was cleared.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with authorities working to determine how it started. Eyewitnesses reported seeing a large crowd gathering to watch the fire-fighting efforts, highlighting the community's concern and interest in the incident.
This incident was not the only fire reported in Heerhugowaard on the same day. Earlier that morning, at approximately 05:08, the fire department responded to a house fire on Drecht, as reported by the MKB Noord-Holland via the P2000 network. Details surrounding that fire, including its cause and any potential injuries, were not immediately available.
In addition to the fire on Drecht, other reports indicated that at 14:51, a fire was reported at a building on Helena Theodora Kuipers-Rietbergtuin, and another fire was logged at 14:22 at a building on Reina Prinsen Geerlingstuin. The frequency of these incidents on the same day raised concerns about fire safety in the area.
Local authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activities that could lead to similar incidents in the future. The community's safety is a top priority, and the fire department is committed to ensuring that all necessary precautions are taken to prevent such occurrences.
As the investigation into the cause of the fire continues, updates will be provided to the public to keep them informed. Residents are encouraged to stay alert for further announcements regarding fire safety and community resources.
This series of events highlights the importance of fire safety awareness and the need for residents to be prepared for such emergencies. The swift response from the fire department and emergency services played a crucial role in controlling the situation and minimizing potential injuries.
In the wake of the fire, the community is coming together to support those affected and to assess the damage. Local officials are expected to hold a meeting to discuss the implications of the fires and to plan for future fire prevention strategies.
As this situation develops, the community remains resilient, with hopes that lessons learned from these incidents will lead to improved safety measures and greater awareness of fire hazards.
