Fire in Heerlen residential complex, dozens evacuated and two people taken to hospital

A major fire raged in a house in a residential complex at the Mariabad in Heerlen, Limburg, on Sunday afternoon. The fire department responded with multiple units to extinguish the fire and evacuated the residential building. The smoke went through the entire building and dozens of homes were evacuated. Two injured people were taken to hospital. Although the fire was quickly extinguished, there is still a dangerous situation due to smoke in the complex, according to the safety region.

The security region speaks of a “complex situation” on site. The residential complex where the fire broke out consists of two blocks with dozens of homes. “We don't know in which houses there is smoke and in which there is not. Therefore, due to the unsafe situation, we are urging everyone to leave their homes,” a spokesperson told De Limburg.

According to the spokeswoman for the safety region, most residents have left their homes, but there are also some who refuse to leave their homes and go outside. In the early afternoon, the fire department was busy ventilating dozens of homes.

The fire broke out around 1:00 p.m. and was quickly extinguished. Five people were injured. Two of them were taken to hospital, the three other victims were treated on site by ambulance personnel. The evacuated residents are being accommodated in a nearby building.

The area around the apartment building was cordoned off. A preventative measure, as the apartment complex is located on a narrow thoroughfare and to ensure the safety of the emergency services, reports De Limburger.