A large, spreading fire at a snack bar on Hoofdstraat Oost in the center of Wolvega (Friesland) caused a gas leak in the night from Sunday to Monday. Due to the leakage and the smoke that was released during the fire, the fire brigade decided to evacuate the area. According to a spokesperson for the fire service, at least ten surrounding buildings are involved.
Residents are accommodated in the town hall. There is also a residential complex for the elderly in the vicinity of the snack bar. According to the spokesperson, part of this complex has been evacuated.
The fire broke out late Sunday evening on the ground floor of the cafeteria. No one was in the building, according to the fire department. A gas tap burned out, creating an explosion hazard. This danger has now passed, the spokesman said.
The fire was brought under control shortly after midnight, but by then the gas leak had already started. Shortly afterwards, the fire flared up again. The fire brigade is trying to save neighboring properties. However, the fire has spread to at least one other building. According to the fire service, the snack bar must be considered lost.
The cause of the fire is not yet known. The fire releases a lot of black smoke. The safety region of Fryslân warns local residents to stay out of the smoke.