A large fire broke out at a warehouse on Lange Weistraat on Sunday evening, threatening nearby apartments and sending plumes of smoke billowing over the area. The emergency services were quick to respond, with the Veiligheidsregio Gelderland-Zuid issuing urgent warnings to local residents.
The blaze erupted at approximately 6 p.m., with flames quickly engulfing the warehouse, which was reported to be situated adjacent to residential apartments. Local residents were told to stay indoors and keep all windows and doors closed to avoid smoke inhalation, as the fire intensified. The situation prompted significant worries about the safety of those living nearby.
Firefighters quickly sprang to action, working to contain the flames and minimize the spread of the fire to the residential buildings. The local authorities have not disclosed what materials were stored within the warehouse or how the fire started, leaving community members anxious about the unknown risks posed by the incident.
According to reports from the Veiligheidsregio Gelderland-Zuid, residents were urged to heed their advice: "De Veiligheidsregio Gelderland-Zuid waarschuwt mensen om uit de rook te blijven en ramen en deuren te sluiten." This precaution was necessary as the smoke was spreading rapidly, impacting air quality and visibility.
While the cause of the fire remains under investigation, eyewitness accounts noted the ferocity of the flames, describing them as fierce and difficult to control, highlighting the challenges faced by the firefighting teams.
The local government has mobilized additional resources to assist with managing the emergency. While the immediate threat was under control by late evening, the situation remained fluid, with crews continuing to monitor hotspots and extinguish any remaining flames as they were discovered.
Community members expressed their concerns and confusion over the incident. Many gathered outside, watching the heavy firefighting presence battling the blaze, and discussing the need for more information surrounding what had led to the fire.
The fire has raised broader safety questions among locals living near industrial sites, emphasizing the need for stringent regulations and emergency preparedness plans. The local authorities are expected to provide updates as investigations progress and more information about the fire’s cause becomes available.
This incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers associated with industrial warehouses located near residential areas. The situation remains precarious, causing residents to remain on edge as they await additional news from fire officials and local authorities.