House fire in Heerhugowaard triggers evacuations, NL Alert over heavy smoke

A house fire early Sunday morning in Heerhugowaard prompted evacuations and a public safety alert due to heavy smoke, authorities said.

The fire broke out at a home on Stationsweg and was brought under control around 8:00 a.m., according to the regional safety authority. Between five and ten nearby houses were evacuated as a precaution.

Officials said the resident of the affected home was likely on vacation at the time of the fire, though that is still under investigation, a spokesperson said. The house where the fire started has a thatched roof, which can intensify a blaze.

Residents displaced by the evacuations were able to shelter with a nearby neighbor, authorities said.

The blaze produced a large amount of smoke, leading authorities to issue an NL Alert warning residents in the area. People were advised to keep windows and doors closed.