Melle (Brussels Morning Newspaper) -A massive blaze destroyed the De Varens castle in Melle, alerting firefighters who continue to suppress the flames. The fire brigade remains active in extinguishing the fire. The authority has not established how the fire began. There were no injuries.
A severe fire consumed the roof of the Melle-based Castle De Varens in East Flanders, Belgium, before emergency crews reached the scene. All occupants successfully evacuated the building as the fire brigade reacted promptly without any reported injuries.
VRT reported that the local authorities issued instructions for residents near the fire area to keep their doors and windows sealed because of the smoke, yet they confirmed no asbestos materials were involved. The fire investigation efforts continue while firefighters work to completely eliminate the blaze.
“Around 11 o’clock the report came in about the blazing fire in the castle,”
says Renée Vansteenwinckel of Fire Zone Centre.
“The flames were already coming out of the roof, but those who were in the building were able to leave in time, and no one was injured.”
Through a message from the Neighbourhood Information Network (BIN), the police informed the residents that they should keep their windows and doors closed. “Especially for the smoke,” the police said, because the chance that asbestos would have been released seemed small.
“After investigation, we were able to confirm that there was no asbestos in the roof of the castle,”
says Renée from the fire department.
The fire department spent 2 hours extinguishing the fire to get it under control.
“It will take a while before they can get out of there,”
Renée from the fire department continues.
“They will have to continue extinguishing and keep an eye on it to make sure there are no flare-ups.”
What is the history and significance of Castle De Varens?
The heritage site called Castle De Varens stands between Varingweg and Gontrode Heirweg in Melle, which retains both historical value and architectural importance. During the 19th century, architects built the castle while maintaining period-specific design elements which prominently feature an essential roof structure, but this construction suffered extensive damage from fire. The building has fulfilled different roles since its construction, serving as both a personal house and event space that established its recognized local status.
The residential location of the castle produced instant concerns about smoke distribution during the fire, so police alerted nearby residents to maintain their building’s doors and windows shut. The initial concerns about roof asbestos proved unfounded when fire officials tested the site and confirmed its non-presence.
