Factory Clarebout Potatoes totally destroyed by fire

Monday morning, the production plant of Belgian French Fry manufacturer Clarebout Potatoes in Nieuwkerke was totally destroyed by a major fire. Ten people were injured and transferred to hospitals in the region. Three of them were classified as serious. Injuries were said to be the result of smoke inhalation.

The fire started close to 9:00 AM in the morning in the processing area near the fryer. Later the fire expanded to the packaging department and the freezer area. The entire french fry production plant is totally destroyed. All that may be left of the building are the offices.

All employees that were working in the factory at the time of the emergency (150 - 200 people) are accounted for.
 

The fire at Clarebout Potatoes, situated close to the center of Nieuwkerke, resulted in the evacuation of about 400 people from the Belgian village
(Courtesy: Focus & WTV)

The fire and the enormous smoke development resulted in the activation of the provincial emergency plan. The factory is located near the center of Nieuwkerke and the emergency resulted in the evacuation of about 400 people in the area as a precaution.

Clarebout Potatoes operated two production facilities, both in Belgium.

Romain Cools, Secretary General of Belgapom, the Belgian Association of Potato Processors:
 

"Clarebout Potatoes is the largest french fry manufacturer in Belgium and possibly Europe."

"Primary concern right now is the safety of the staff and the people living close to the factory. The factory is located near the center of the village Nieuwekerke, so extensive safety precautions were necessary."

"The economic consequences will become clear later on, but there is no doubt that impact and damage of this event at the start of the new production season will be large. A major hit for the company and the sector."

Clarebout Potatoes was the largest employer in the region. The second production facility of Clarebout Potatoes is located in Waasten (Wallonia).
 

This view from a distance reveals the extent of the smoke development
(Courtesy: Focus & WTV)

Ten years ago, the Clarebout Potatoes french fry factory in Nieuwkerke was destroyed by fire as well. On top of that the company had to deal with a number of other fire incidents in recent years.