A major fire broke out at Horafrost, a large frozen vegetable company located on Voermanstraat in Staden, shortly after midnight. The blaze quickly spread from one warehouse to several buildings across the site, with smoke and flames visible for kilometers. Local residents reported hearing multiple explosions as emergency services from the entire region rushed to the scene.
- Brand breaks out at Horafrost deep-freeze plant
- Residents of Westrozebeke ordered to evacuate
- Evacuees can shelter at Staden cultural center
- Fire difficult to control due to freezers
- Authorities warn prolonged smoke exposure harms health
- Emergency services urge avoiding Westrozebeke area
As of 2025-07-12 14:18:00, authorities have ordered the immediate evacuation of about 3,000 people from Westrozebeke, including a nearby nursing home. The municipality has arranged temporary shelter at the cultural centre Het Swok in Staden for those unable to stay with family or friends. Although the smoke is not acutely toxic, prolonged exposure could affect health, prompting officials to advise caution.
What caused this intense fire, and how will it impact the local community? The following summary provides key details and safety information for residents in the affected area.
Why has this fire proven so difficult to control? The involvement of deep freezers has complicated firefighting, prolonging the response time and increasing risks to nearby residents. Should locals expect similar incidents in the future? Given a recent large fire at Recyworks nearby, there is concern about industrial safety in the region. Key points include:
- Fire spread rapidly across multiple buildings, fueled by frozen goods and equipment.
- Evacuations prioritize vulnerable populations, including a nursing home.
- Authorities urge the public to avoid the Westrozebeke area to aid emergency operations.
- The cause of the fire remains unknown, pending investigation.
As firefighting continues, residents should stay informed through official channels and prepare for possible extended evacuations. How will local authorities strengthen prevention efforts? The community must work together to ensure safety and resilience in the face of such emergencies.
