A large fire engulfed a Jysk furniture outlet and an adjacent Pets Place shop in Horst, Limburg, on Thursday afternoon, May 8, 2025. The blaze erupted just before 1:30 p.m. at the Jysk store located on Bremweg, quickly escalating into a major fire that threatened surrounding structures. Firefighters were dispatched to the scene almost immediately, but the building housing the furniture store could not be saved, according to a spokesperson from the Limburg-Noord Fire Department.
As flames spread to the nearby Pets Place shop, emergency responders worked diligently to ensure the safety of all individuals in the vicinity. Fortunately, both customers and staff were able to evacuate the Jysk store in time, with no injuries reported. "Everyone who was in that building has been accounted for," the spokesperson confirmed. However, uncertainty loomed over whether any animals remained inside the Pets Place store, which primarily sells pet products.
By 2:15 p.m., the fire had escalated to a major incident, prompting the declaration of a Grip 1 local emergency roughly 20 minutes later. This protocol allowed all responding personnel to operate under a single incident commander, streamlining efforts to control the fire. The rapid spread of the flames and the significant amount of smoke generated led to the issuance of an NL Alert, warning nearby residents of potential health hazards.
Residents were advised to close their windows and doors and turn off ventilation systems to mitigate exposure to the toxic smoke. The fire produced thick black clouds that were visible from a distance, drifting over the A73 motorway. As a precautionary measure, the A73 was closed in both directions between Horst-Noord and Zaarderheiken, with traffic being rerouted via alternate routes such as the A50, A2, or A67.
Firefighters were seen battling the flames with multiple fire trucks deployed to the scene. "Firefighters are now doing everything they can to save the pet shop. They are also trying to prevent the flames from spreading to a third, vacant building," the spokesperson added. Despite the challenges, they expressed hope that the Pets Place shop might still be salvageable, stating it was "not completely lost."
As the situation unfolded, the fire department confirmed that the Pets Place building was also on fire but that no animals were present within the store at the time. The spokesperson noted that the store only sells pet supplies and does not house any live animals. The quick response from emergency services ensured that the fire did not spread further, although some nearby buildings, including the Inter Chalet construction center, were evacuated as a precaution.
In the immediate aftermath of the blaze, local authorities emphasized the importance of public safety. Measurement teams were dispatched to assess the air quality and investigate any harmful substances released during the fire. The spokesperson for the fire department stated, "There are measurement teams on the way to conduct tests for harmful substances." This proactive approach aims to protect the health of residents in the surrounding areas, particularly those who may have been affected by the smoke.
As of now, the cause of the fire remains unknown, and investigations are ongoing. Local officials are working to determine what sparked the flames and led to the rapid escalation of the situation. In the meantime, the community is coming together to support those affected by this incident.
The fire at the Jysk store serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by large-scale fires and the importance of emergency preparedness. Fortunately, the swift actions of firefighters and emergency personnel ensured that there were no injuries, and the community is rallying to assist those impacted.
In summary, the fire that engulfed the Jysk furniture outlet and threatened the Pets Place shop in Horst highlights the critical role of emergency services in managing such crises. As investigations continue, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of the local community in the aftermath of this devastating event.
