Massive industrial fire in Veenendaal spreads to neighboring company
Updated at 17:30 to say that the fire had been declared "under control."
A large industrial fire broke out Sunday morning at 10:55 a.m. on Kernreactorstraat in Veenendaal, according to RTV Utrecht. Thick smoke was visible across the surrounding region, with reports coming in from Utrecht, Woudenberg, Elst, and Rijswijk in Gelderland. By late afternoon, the fire had been declared under control.
Within seconds of the initial report, authorities upgraded the situation to a major fire. Three minutes later, the response escalated further to a very large fire and eventually to GRIP 1, a coordinated emergency protocol in the Netherlands.
Multiple fire trucks and firefighters were deployed, including two vehicles from the Gorinchem fire department. A specialized platoon was called in to provide additional firefighting strength. Despite these efforts, the fire spread to an adjacent company building. Firefighters are working to prevent flames from reaching other neighboring properties.
The blaze originated in the warehouse of cacao storage company MRG, the fire department confirmed. The building is now considered lost. Officials also warn there remains a risk of the fire spreading further. All employees from the affected companies were reported to be safely outside.
Because of the heavy smoke, authorities advised residents nearby to keep doors and windows closed. Initially, the smoke rose straight up but later drifted toward Gelderland. Soot has been reported as far away as Wageningen. The fire department noted that the residues are not asbestos, but still advised handling them with gloves and washing hands afterward.
As of 12:40 p.m., the fire was still not under control, though the smoke had turned white, an indication that conditions were improving. Fire officials urged the public to allow emergency services room to operate and not to approach the scene.
This is the second fire in a short period on the Veenendaal industrial estate. The previous blaze occurred at feed company Peti and, according to police, was not deliberately set.
