Five chalets went up in flames at Camping De Brug in Herpen, but no additional measures are taken. Extra police patrols around the site were unable to prevent another chalet from catching fire on Wednesday. According to the municipality, further measures must be taken by the owner, Theo van Casteren. But he has no ears: “What can I do to stop those fires,” he responds indignantly.
Camping owner Theo van Casteren lives opposite the campsite. When he opens the front door, he immediately starts calling angry that we have to get rid of his site. “This is a private property. I’m not going to respond, write what you want to write.”
When we ask about the fires, he responds curtly: “What can I do to stop those fires?” He does not like measures such as a camera at the entrance. And on questions about arson to get the chalet owners away earlier than January 1, Van Casteren responds with a closed door. “Just ask the people there. They still have to leave.”
Municipality cannot withdraw a permit
The municipality cannot take any further action. According to a spokesperson, the municipality has done everything that falls within its authority: “There has been checked, but the responsibility lies with the owner of the park. The municipality has no powers to conclude the park or to withdraw permits based on the current situation. ”
The spokesperson indicates that they continue to follow the police investigation closely, but the responsibility for safety and management lies with the owner himself.
The 82-year-old Piet van Ham is very sorry that there are so many fires at the campsite and that he has to leave his beloved site. He thinks back with nostalgia about the last 53 years that he spent in the summer in his holiday home at the campsite. The fourth chalet that burned down has been his daughter. “My children and grandchildren grew up here,” says Piet.
Police assume arson
The police assume arson. A jerry can was found in an earlier fire. It was seized by the police for an investigation. In addition, other traces have been found that are currently being investigated.
Residents of the campsite received a letter from the owner last month. He indicated that the lease for all pitches on the campsite is being canceled. According to the letter, the standing places must be delivered empty and clean by 1 June 2026 at the latest.