A major fire broke out at Horafrost, a large frozen vegetable company located on Voermanstraat in Staden, in the early hours of Saturday, shortly after midnight. The blaze started in one warehouse and quickly spread to other buildings, with smoke and flames visible for kilometers. Local residents reported hearing several explosions as firefighters from across the region rushed to the scene.
- Fire breaks out at Horafrost deep-freeze company
- Around 3,000 residents evacuated from Westrozebeke
- Firefighters monitor smoke and control flames
- Vulnerable residents prioritized returning to homes
- Cause of fire remains unclear and investigated
- Nearby recent fire increases regional safety concerns
Approximately 3,000 people in nearby Westrozebeke had to evacuate their homes swiftly, according to Mayor Ludwig Willaert. By 2025-07-12 18:37:00, the fire was under control, but emergency services continued to monitor the situation carefully. The smoke, although not acutely toxic, remains a health concern due to its prolonged presence over the area. What caused this fire, and how will the community recover?
How serious is the impact of this fire on local residents and businesses? The incident raises important questions about fire safety and emergency response in the region. Key points to consider include:
- The scale of evacuation and prioritization of vulnerable groups during the crisis
- The challenges of extinguishing fires in frozen food warehouses due to cold smoke
- The potential health effects of long-lasting smoke exposure on residents
- The recent pattern of industrial fires in Staden, highlighting possible underlying risks
As investigations continue to determine the fire’s cause, local authorities and residents must remain vigilant. Will this lead to improved safety measures for industrial sites in West Flanders? In the meantime, staying informed and following official updates is crucial for community resilience.