Dozens evacuated as fire at Scheveningen fish-smoking plant triggers NL-Alert

Dozens evacuated in Scheveningen after major fire at fish-smoking facility sparks NL-Alert

A major fire at a fish-smoking facility in Scheveningen early Sunday forced between 50 and 100 residents from their homes and prompted authorities to issue an NL-Alert due to thick smoke, emergency services confirmed. The blaze broke out in the night between Saturday and Sunday, sending plumes of acrid smoke over the coastal district and triggering immediate evacuations in the surrounding area.

Firefighters from multiple units responded to the scene, battling the flames for several hours before bringing the situation under control. Local authorities confirmed that the evacuation order affected “tientallen” — dozens — of households, though the exact number remained under review as crews continued to monitor air quality and structural stability. The NL-Alert, a national emergency notification system, was activated to warn residents of potential health risks from the smoke, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions.

The facility, located in the heart of Scheveningen’s fishing port, is a long-standing operation central to the local seafood trade. While the cause of the fire has not yet been officially determined, initial assessments by fire investigators point to an electrical or mechanical malfunction as a likely origin. No injuries have been reported among residents or emergency responders, though two firefighters were treated for minor smoke inhalation.

Neighbours described chaotic scenes as thick, grey smoke billowed across the neighbourhood, reducing visibility and coating nearby streets and cars in a fine layer of soot. “It was like a fog, but it smelled strongly of burning fish,” said one resident who was evacuated from her home on Van der Kunstraat. “We could hear the sirens for hours. It was terrifying.”

The municipality of The Hague has set up a temporary reception centre at the nearby Zuiderstrand Theatre to assist displaced residents with shelter and information. Municipal officials urged people to keep windows and doors closed and to avoid outdoor activities until air quality improves. The fire department has advised residents to monitor updates from the municipality and emergency services via official channels.

As the clean-up begins, questions are already being raised about fire safety standards in industrial food processing facilities near residential areas. The Scheveningen port, a historic hub for Dutch fishing, has seen increased scrutiny in recent years over industrial zoning and environmental regulations. The fire comes just weeks after a similar incident at a food processing plant in Rotterdam prompted calls for stricter oversight.

Emergency services expect to release a full damage assessment later today. In the meantime, the community remains on alert as authorities work to ensure the safety of residents and prevent any recurrence of the incident.