Police suspect arson in Almere fire that seriously injured 49-year-old man

Police say a fire that broke out in a home in Almere early Sunday morning was intentionally set, leaving a 49-year-old man seriously injured.

Emergency services received multiple reports of a fire and possible explosion at a residence on Swingstraat around 2:15 a.m. Firefighters were able to prevent the blaze from spreading to neighboring homes.

Residents of the neighboring houses were evacuated but have now returned home.

“The impact of this fire is significant. We must mourn a seriously injured resident,” said Mayor Hein van der Loo. “This afternoon, I consulted with the police and the Public Prosecution Service, and I will take measures today to ensure the neighborhood remains safe.”