Fire in Rotterdam destroys roof and solar panels, forces evacuation of multiple homes
A major fire broke out overnight on the roof of a house on Van Kinsbergenstraat in Rotterdam, spreading to an adjacent home and prompting the evacuation of multiple residences, RTL reports.
The Rotterdam-Rijnmond safety authority reported that the blaze began in the roof structure and ignited solar panels mounted on top of the house. Fire crews arrived quickly and ordered an immediate evacuation of the entire housing block, which included several homes.
Emergency services were deployed in large numbers to control the fire. According to the safety authority, the flames spread from the rear side of the roof into the neighboring property. Firefighters worked to stop the blaze from extending further by demolishing parts of the roof to reach and extinguish smoldering sections.
At 1:35 a.m., the fire department declared the fire under control. The municipality provided shelter for evacuated residents during the night. Most people were reportedly able to return to their homes early in the morning.
