Massive Rotterdam warehouse fire prompts multiple NL-Alerts; now under control
A large industrial fire broke out late Sunday morning in the Waalhaven district of Rotterdam, prompting multiple NL-Alerts and a wide emergency response to contain the flames and monitor public safety, Rijnmond reports. The fire is now under control.
The fire began shortly after 11 a.m. at a warehouse on Van Graftstraat. Emergency services quickly scaled up the response, deploying multiple fire units to fight the blaze and prevent it from spreading. The cause of the fire remains unknown.
Shortly after the fire ignited, authorities issued the first NL-Alert to residents in the immediate area. The regional safety authority warned people to stay out of the smoke, keep windows and doors closed, and turn off mechanical ventilation. Around 1:45 p.m., a second NL-Alert was sent due to a shift in wind direction, expanding the affected area.
A large-scale water transport system was set up to help extinguish the fire. The Port of Rotterdam Authority is assisting with firefighting efforts, which may cause traffic disruption in the Waalhaven area.
“The fire department is conducting measurements to determine whether hazardous substances are being released,” a spokesperson for the regional safety authority said. Firefighters are being kept at a distance from the flames for their safety. According to the spokesperson, no injuries have been reported.
Public transportation has also been affected. Bus line 68 is operating on a detour due to firefighting operations. Metro line D and tram line 2 experienced delays, though service is gradually resuming. The RET public transport operator confirmed there are still delays on some lines as normal operations are restored.
