A sudden fire erupted at Kærshovedgård Departure Center near Ikast, Denmark, prompting mass evacuations and emergency response. Police received the alarm at 11:12 AM as thick black smoke poured from a barracks window.
Witnesses described chaotic scenes as residents fled the burning building. One man reportedly jumped through an open window, landing on the grass before running to safety. Flames quickly spread through the room and into the hallway between living quarters.
"People were shouting 'Fire, fire' and streaming out of the building," an eyewitness reported. "The flames took hold immediately. Flames were coming out the window and the fire appeared to be spreading to the corridor between rooms."
Firefighters arrived approximately ten minutes after the first signs of smoke and effectively extinguished the blaze. The room was fully engulfed in flames when emergency services reached the scene.
Police confirmed all residents were safely evacuated from the affected area. No injuries were reported despite the dramatic circumstances.
Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the fire that disrupted operations at the controversial facility. The departure center houses rejected asylum seekers, criminals sentenced for deportation, and individuals with tolerated stay status.
Initial estimates suggested 10-15 residents required relocation, but that number was revised upward after further assessment. Denmark's Prison and Probation Service confirmed 33 residents affected by the fire will be housed elsewhere within the facility complex.
The Kærshovedgård center accommodates approximately 235 people total. After the fire was extinguished, residents were led inside for headcount and damage assessment.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges at Danish departure centers, which have faced criticism over living conditions and security concerns. The facilities represent Denmark's strict immigration policies that aim to return individuals without legal residence status.
Recent months have seen increased scrutiny of Kærshovedgård specifically. Previous reports indicated tensions among residents and discussions about restricting certain privileges, including driving rights.
The fire raises questions about safety protocols in such facilities and the wellbeing of residents awaiting deportation. While no injuries occurred this time, the rapid spread of flames and dramatic evacuation underscore potential risks in crowded residential settings.
Authorities continue investigating the blaze's origin while managing the relocation of displaced residents. The incident adds to ongoing debates about Denmark's approach to immigration enforcement and the conditions at departure centers.
Local emergency services demonstrated effective response, containing the fire within minutes of arrival. The situation could have been far more serious given the barracks-style construction and dense occupancy.