ALBAWABA- A massive fire broke out early Tuesday at a pallet storage facility on the Oostervaart industrial estate in Lelystad, Holland, sending thick plumes of black smoke across the area and prompting a large-scale emergency response.
The fire was reported at around 8:45 a.m. local time. Firefighters initially responded to reports near the Socar car dealership. Still, they later determined that the blaze had started at a pallet storage site behind the dealership, where thousands of wooden pallets and other highly combustible materials were stored.
Authorities classified the incident as a “very large fire,” with several buildings considered beyond saving. Fire crews focused on containing the blaze and preventing it from spreading to nearby properties.
The Veiligheidsregio Flevoland issued an NL-Alert advising residents to avoid the smoke, remain indoors with windows and doors closed, and stay away from the area. The site was cordoned off amid concerns about possible gas-cylinder explosions, with several loud bangs reported.
Crews from Utrecht, Noord-Holland and Gooi en Vechtstreek reinforced firefighters from Lelystad. Large-scale water supplies and drones were deployed to support firefighting operations.
No injuries were reported. Officials said the flames and smoke appeared to be subsiding. Soot and fire debris fell in parts of Lelystad; authorities said the material contained no asbestos and advised residents to handle it with gloves. A nearby petrol station was also closed as a precaution.
