DOORWERTH - On Sunday, April 6, 2025, emergency services responded to a significant industrial fire that erupted in Doorwerth, located near a biomass plant on Fonteinallee. The blaze, which involved an enormous pile of waste wood, measuring between 10,000 and 20,000 cubic meters, has drawn considerable attention due to its scale and potential hazards.
The fire department mobilized a substantial response, with fire trucks dispatched from various nearby towns, including Duiven, Wageningen, Ede, Apeldoorn, Barneveld, and Arnhem. As the fire raged, the spokesperson for the Gelderland-Midden Safety Region described the situation as serious, stating, "There is a considerable fire here." The waste wood, intended for processing into products like potting soil, was engulfed in flames, creating a substantial plume of smoke visible from afar.
As of around 5:30 PM, the fire department reported that the condition of the fire had not changed since their arrival. The spokesperson noted, "We are working with all our might to extinguish the fire. There is about 60,000 cubic meters of demolition wood, and our firefighting efforts will take several more hours." The advice for local residents experiencing smoke nuisance was clear: close windows and doors to mitigate inhalation exposure.
The wind, blowing across the A50 highway, posed additional challenges, leading Rijkswaterstaat to monitor the smoke's drift. The spokesperson indicated that although there was no immediate danger to the surrounding area, the smoke could affect traffic and air quality. Authorities are vigilant, ensuring that the situation remains manageable and that appropriate measures are taken to protect public health.
This incident highlights the fire department's operational protocols, which categorize fires into different levels based on their severity and potential impact on the community. These levels range from small fires to very large ones, with the latter requiring additional resources and personnel to bring the situation under control.
As firefighters continued their efforts, local officials and safety personnel remained on alert, ready to respond to any developments. The community is advised to stay informed through official channels as the firefighting operations progress.
In summary, the fire in Doorwerth represents a significant challenge for local emergency services, who are working tirelessly to contain the situation and protect the public. With ongoing monitoring of the smoke and fire conditions, residents are urged to remain cautious and adhere to safety guidelines.
