An intense industrial fire at the Horafrost frozen vegetable company in Westrozebeke, West Flanders, has triggered the evacuation of around 3,000 residents overnight, local authorities confirmed on Saturday morning.
The blaze broke out shortly after midnight on Friday in a warehouse on Voermanstraat and quickly spread to surrounding buildings within the factory complex. The massive columns of smoke, visible for several kilometres, prompted emergency alerts and widespread concern among the local population.
Speaking to the Belgian news agency Belga, Francesco Vanderjeugd, the mayor of Staden—the municipality encompassing Westrozebeke—urged residents to evacuate immediately.
“Leave the area as quickly as possible,” a statement on the commune’s website read. Although the smoke was not deemed acutely toxic, health officials warned that prolonged exposure could lead to respiratory issues and other health effects.
The Staden cultural centre has been opened as a temporary shelter for evacuees unable to stay with family or friends. Among those relocated were residents of a nearby care home, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.
Firefighters from the Midwest and Westhoek regions have been mobilized and continue to battle the flames. Despite their efforts, the fire has yet to be brought fully under control as of Saturday morning. Authorities have not reported any injuries, but the scale of the damage to the factory infrastructure is expected to be extensive.
The cause of the fire remains unknown. Investigators are expected to examine the site once it is safe to enter. Horafrost, a key player in Belgium’s frozen vegetable industry, employs dozens of workers in the region. It is not yet clear whether anyone was present in the facility when the fire began.
Emergency services have advised residents in neighbouring towns to keep their windows and doors closed as a precaution. Public health services are also monitoring air quality in the area.
As the community deals with the aftermath of the fire, the priority remains the safety of residents and containment of the incident. The municipality of Staden continues to coordinate emergency services and provide updates as the situation evolves.