On the evening of April 8, 2025, a devastating fire broke out in a detached house with a thatched roof located on Laageinde in Driebruggen. The incident, reported around 21:00, quickly escalated as the fire department responded with a massive deployment of resources. Upon arrival, firefighters found the house fully engulfed in flames, prompting an immediate upgrade to a major fire response.
The severity of the situation was underscored by the nature of the thatched roof, which made extinguishing the fire particularly challenging. As the flames leapt from the roof, fire departments from the surrounding region were called in to prevent the blaze from spreading further. Emergency services cordoned off the area, urging local residents to stay away from the smoke.
In a dramatic turn, around 21:59, an emergency procedure was initiated when it was feared that a firefighter might be trapped inside the burning structure. Fortunately, it was later confirmed that all firefighters had safely exited the building, and no injuries were reported. A spokesperson from the fire department later tweeted, "We have initiated an emergency procedure for our injured personnel because a colleague seemed to be trapped in the burning house. All firefighters are safe outside, and thankfully, no one has been injured."
The resident of the house, an 80-year-old man, was reportedly rescued by soccer players who happened to be nearby. Sadly, the house itself was declared unsalvageable, and firefighters decided to let it burn out in a controlled manner to preserve the facades and prevent further structural damage.
As the fire raged, a spokesperson for the fire brigade noted that the smoke was drifting towards Gouda, raising concerns for nearby communities. Despite the extensive efforts, it became clear that the historic farmhouse could not be saved. The spokesperson stated, "Despite all efforts, the farmhouse cannot be saved. The extinguishing operations are expected to take a number of hours."
Firefighters and emergency crews remained on scene throughout the night, working diligently to extinguish the remaining flames and secure the area. The road was completely closed to allow for safe operations, and the local electricity provider, Stedin, was also present to disconnect power to the area.
As the situation unfolded, the community watched anxiously, reflecting on the loss of a historic structure that had stood for generations. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, with authorities promising to provide updates as more information becomes available.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of fires, especially in homes with thatched roofs, which are known to be particularly vulnerable. The rapid escalation of the fire and the swift response from the fire department highlight the risks faced by both firefighters and residents during such emergencies.
As firefighters continue their work, the community is left to grapple with the aftermath of this tragic event. Local officials are expected to hold a meeting to discuss fire safety measures and prevention strategies to avoid similar incidents in the future.
