Eurotoday: Massive Fire Engulfs Historic Castle De Varens in Melle
Melle (Eurotoday) — A devastating fire has ravaged the historic Castle De Varens in Melle, East Flanders, destroying much of the castle’s roof. Firefighters rushed to the scene and are still working to extinguish the blaze. Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the fire. Thankfully, no injuries have been reported.
The fire broke out before emergency services could arrive, consuming the roof of the 19th-century castle located between Varingweg and Gontrode Heirweg. All individuals inside the building managed to evacuate safely thanks to the swift response of the fire brigade.
According to VRT, local officials issued warnings to nearby residents to keep their windows and doors closed due to smoke, though they assured the public that no asbestos was present. Firefighters and investigators remain on site, continuing their efforts to fully eliminate the blaze and determine what triggered the incident.
“Reports of a major fire in the castle came in around 11 o’clock,” said Renée Vansteenwinckel of Fire Zone Centre. “The flames were already visible from the roof when we arrived, but fortunately, all occupants had evacuated in time.”
Police also reiterated the importance of keeping windows and doors sealed, particularly due to the smoke’s potential danger. “It was primarily a precaution, as the likelihood of asbestos exposure appeared minimal,” authorities said.
Following a full inspection, Renee confirmed, “After investigation, we were able to confirm that there was no asbestos in the roof of the castle.”
The firefighting team spent approximately two hours bringing the blaze under control, and continued monitoring is required to ensure there are no flare-ups.
“It will take a while before they can leave the site,” Renée noted. “Extinguishing efforts must continue, and we’ll remain vigilant for any signs of rekindling.”
What Is the Significance of Castle De Varens?
Castle De Varens is a historical heritage site of architectural and cultural importance in Melle. Built in the 19th century, the castle boasts period-specific design, with its distinctive roof structure playing a prominent stylistic role. Over the years, the building has served multiple purposes, including as a private residence and venue for events, solidifying its importance in the local community.
Because the castle is situated in a residential neighborhood, there were immediate concerns about smoke exposure. Police acted quickly to inform locals to keep their homes sealed. Initial fears over asbestos contamination were later proven unfounded by fire authorities.
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