NL-Alert: Massive smoke cloud from fire at fmr. distribution center in Middenbeemster
A very large fire broke out at a former distribution center in Middenbeemster overnight. The blaze caused so much smoke that the security office sent out two NL-Alerts. The smoke can be smelled as far away as Amsterdam, Veiligheidsregio Zaanstreek-Waterland reported.
The fire broke out at around 1:30 a.m. at the former distribution center for supermarket chain Plus on Insulindeweg. At 7:30 a.m., the security office that covers the region’s emergency services reported that the fire was still blazing and still causing a lot of smoke. The local fire brigade quickly scaled up its response and called in support from the fire departments in Amsterdam and Noord-Holland-Noord.
The security office sent out the first NL-Alert at around 3:00 a.m. and a second around three hours later, warning locals to keep their doors and windows closed and stay out of the smoke. According to the security office, the smoke was moving toward Neck and the A7 highway, crossing several residential areas.
The roads surrounding the former distribution center have been closed to give the emergency services space to work. Businesses in the cordoned-off area cannot be reached. The primary school Blauwe Morgenster, daycare Ootje Tontel, and after-school and toddler care De Speelhut will remain closed on Thursday due to the smoke.
The fire brigade expects to be working on extinguishing the fire for at least the entire morning.
The cause of the fire is not yet known. It is also unclear whether anyone got hurt.
