The Dutch fire brigade has warned of a significant risk of collapse among historic buildings affected by the massive city fire in Arnhem.
Approximately ten buildings are at risk, according to a spokesperson. These buildings house shops on the ground floor, with residences and storage spaces above.
"The core of the block has completely burned away," the spokesperson said. "A decision now needs to be made about what to do next, including whether to demolish the buildings."
The Dutch public broadcaster NOS reported that the fire brigade is allowing the block where the fire started to burn out in a controlled manner. Since about 09:30 on Thursday, the fire brigade has gradually brought the fire under control, but it has not yet been fully extinguished.
The fire began overnight from Wednesday to Thursday at around 3:45 am in a shop selling party supplies in the historic centre, according to NOS. The flames quickly spread to nearby buildings.
The affected buildings date back to the 18th and 19th centuries, with shops on the ground floor and residences above. A gas fire is still burning in the shop where the fire started, and the fire brigade has been unable to control it. As a result, electricity and gas have been cut off in approximately 150 shops and homes.
So far, there have been no reported casualties, acting Mayor Cathelijne Bouwkamp told the newspaper AD. Arnhem Mayor Ahmed Marcouch has interrupted his holiday in Morocco and is on his way back to the Netherlands.
The newspaper De Telegraaf conducted a survey at a nearby hospital, which confirmed that no one has sought medical help related to the fire.
