Port of Antwerp Fire Under Control

A fire at the Port of Antwerp has been brought under control, but may continue to burn for several days.

The fire started on Saturday in a consignment of 5,000 tons of nickel oxide in a warehouse at the port. About half of the consignment has been destroyed by fire so far.

Due to the potential health concerns of the smoke cloud created, the municipality of Antwerp launched its disaster plan which calls for evacuation from ships and buildings in a radius of about two kilometers. In other areas nearby, residents have been urged to keep their windows shut. Inland navigation and car traffic in the region has also been stopped. However, shipping traffic on the Scheldt and canal docks is not affected.