Massive Fire Destroys Business Premises in Elburg, NL-Alert Sent to Local Residents

The fire broke out just after half past ten on Sunday evening in a collective business building on the industrial estate on the Noorderbreadth, sandwiched between the Rondweg and the N309. The fire raged near the fire station. Small explosions were heard at the scene of the fire.

Because of the many ‘flying fires’ (sparks flying through the air), there was a chance that the fire would spread. Therefore, the fire brigade quickly deployed additional equipment. Some houses in the area have thatched roofs and there were fears that those would also be affected. As far as is known, that has not happened. No homes had to be evacuated.

Local residents were advised to close windows and doors and to switch off the ventilation. An NL-alert was also sent to Elburg and part of Flevoland to warn people. No one was hurt.

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At the beginning of the night it became clear that there was nothing left to save in the stricken building. Part of the burnt-out building was demolished to better fight the fire. In addition to the fire brigade from Elburg, dozens of firefighters from other parts of the region also helped.

According to spokesperson Frank Schipholt of the North and East Gelderland Security Region, no asbestos was released during the fire. However, there are ash remains scattered across Elburg. A special measurement team will check this.

Nothing is yet known about the cause of the fire. The fire service hopes to be able to find out something about this in daylight.

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The fire attracted a lot of attention, a large group of people had come to the fire. ,,This makes a big impression”, says Susan Lammers. She is one of the people in the audience. “The flames flew from all sides. The fire brigade literally works with man and power, but you can’t just get this out of there.”

At least five companies were housed in the destroyed building. One of the affected companies is Merkk, a supplier of sustainable drinking water. “It is very sad,” says Ruud Koele.

,,I was called by an acquaintance if I could bring a key. Then only the rear was on fire. Then you hope it stays limited. Now it is clear that everything is going down.” He thinks the explosions that were heard are small pressure cylinders used by the company.