In the night from Wednesday to Thursday, a major fire broke out in a squat in Kerkrade, the South Limburg security region reports. The police suspect arson and are looking for a suspect.
A number of adjacent houses on Bleijerheiderstraat have been evacuated due to the heavy smoke development.
The fire was reported around 12:20 am. As far as is known, no injuries were reported. The occupant of the squatted house was not present when the fire broke out, the security region says.
The fire brigade is on site with several vehicles and managed to prevent the fire from spreading to the neighboring houses. The fire was under control around 2.00 am, extinguishing will take a few hours.
Temporary shelter is arranged by the municipality for the evacuated residents. It is not yet clear when they can return home. Local residents are advised to keep windows and doors closed and to turn off ventilation systems.
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