Kralendijk- A raging fire in the laundry building led to quick action by the Fire Department this evening. The Fire Brigade was present at the hotel in Hato with various fire trucks, trying to contain the fire which had already caused quite some damage to the laundry department but which will, as could be seen on the scene, will also lead to collateral damage like smoke and fire.

Gas cylinders present at the building were quickly removed to avoid any possible explosions, while various fire trucks were still busy trying to control the raging fire after 10 PM this evening. Early reports indicated an overheated dryer led to the fire, which could not be controlled without help by the fire department.

The Fire Department is one of the organizations which has truly benefited from the new status of the islands. The fire department, as could also be seen this evening, has excellent and state-of-the art equipment. The department has also received much training in past years.

The Fire Department received assistance from the Police Force Caribbean Netherlands, which blocked one part of the road where the fire trucks replenished their water supply in turns to continue with the effort to control the fire.