The fire was reported to the fire service around 10:50 p.m. In addition to the fire brigade, several ambulances and a trauma helicopter were also called. It concerns the Oostergauw nursing home on the Koningin Julianaweg in Zaandam.
The Zaanstreek-Waterland Security Region reports that several fire brigade vehicles have been pulled out. The fire raged on the outside of the building. “Give emergency services room and keep a safe distance,” the call sounded.
The fire was out at 11:40 PM. “A lot of smoke came in because of the fire,” reports the fire service. The smoke was caused by burning garden furniture. The fire brigade has partially evacuated the building and is ventilating the nursing home. Two employees of the care complex were taken to the hospital for a check-up. They inhaled smoke during the evacuation.
According to a spokesperson for the Security Region, an estimated ten to fifteen people have been evacuated and temporarily housed in parts of the complex where there is no smoke. It is being considered whether and when they can return.
The cause of the fire is still unknown.