Heavy fire burns Houthulst castle to ashes

Westhoek fire brigade zone received the call for a raging fire in the castle shortly before four o’clock this morning. On arrival, the castle was already ablaze. (continue reading below the photo)

The castle also turned out to be difficult to reach: due to years of vacancy, the access roads to the castle had grown closed and it took a while for the fire brigade to reach the burning building.

Due to the fire, the Eugène de Grootelaan between the Markt and the Stadenstraat is closed while the fire brigade extinguishes the fire. (continue reading below the photo)

The castle was now owned by a British family. It used to be owned by the De Groote family, including Eugene and Hubert De Groote, former mayors of Houthulst. Micheline De Groote was the last resident and passed away a few years ago. She was married to a Briton and therefore it was now in the hands of British owners.

The building has been plagued by vandals in the past. Windows were smashed and paintings destroyed. The public prosecutor’s office is now also investigating this fire.

Photos: Fire Department Westhoek