Video: Dozens evacuated in Scheveningen after major fire at fish-smoking facility

A major fire at a fish-smoking facility in Scheveningen early Sunday forced between 50 and 100 residents from their homes and prompted authorities to issue an NL-Alert because of thick smoke, urging people to keep windows and doors closed.

The fire broke out around 12:45 a.m. at the facility on Schokkerweg near the harbor of Scheveningen, in the middle of a residential area. Flames quickly engulfed the building, and firefighters responded with multiple vehicles. The smell of smoke was noticeable as far away as Voorburg. Smoke conditions eased after about two hours.

The residents who were unable to stay with family or acquaintances were initially sheltered on city buses. Some residents were allowed to return home during the night, while a neighborhood center was opened for those still unable to go back.

Firefighters demolished part of the building to reach and extinguish remaining hotspots. The blaze was brought under control around 4:25 a.m., with reports shortly afterward placing the time at about 4:30 a.m.