Massive fire destroys barn, stables and farmhouse in Sumar

A large fire early Saturday devastated multiple connected farm buildings and a home in Sumar, Friesland, according to the Veiligheidsregio Fryslân.

The blaze started overnight in a barn on Greate Buorren and quickly spread to an adjacent horse stable and a farmhouse with a thatched roof. Firefighters arrived to find flames already extending to the neighboring structures.

“All of the buildings were attached,” a spokesperson for the Veiligheidsregio said. “The entire property can be considered lost.”

Residents were awakened by the fire and escaped unharmed. Several horses were also brought to safety. No injuries were reported.

The fire brigade classified the incident as a major fire and deployed a high-reaching aerial platform along with a large water transport system to carry sufficient extinguishing water over long distances.

Crews continued working into the morning to bring the fire under control. The blaze has since been contained, but firefighters are expected to spend considerable time extinguishing remaining hot spots.

Stichting Salvage is assisting the residents with damage and recovery efforts. The cause of the fire is not yet known. Several sheds on the property were spared.