65 years after the devastating fire in Schattenberg: ‘Suddenly it became pitch dark’

The fire was probably caused by a short circuit. According to Guido Abuys, curator at Memorial Center Kamp Westerbork, there are several theories, but short circuit is the most logical. “At that time there were several fires, which often started during cooking. There was a strong east wind that day, the fire could easily get out of hand in those wooden barracks. And that is what happened.”

Three of the four barracks burned to the ground. There’s nothing left of it. Photos of the aftermath show only a few pillars, a potbelly stove and here and there the skeletons of cots. The people who live there have nothing left. Miraculously, no one is injured.

ttn-41