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A swift response from the Hoogezand fire department prevented a more serious incident at a home on Chopinlaan Wednesday afternoon, after a chimney fire sparked concerns of a full-scale house fire. The initial alarm came in at 17:17 local time, according to reports.

Firefighters arrived to find significant smoke emanating from the residence, originating within the chimney structure. According to Geert Anne Mollema, a press spokesperson, the smoke production was substantial. The fire department initiated efforts to extinguish the blaze, focusing on clearing the chimney itself.

Residents of the home attempted to extinguish the fire themselves prior to the arrival of emergency services, but their efforts were unsuccessful, according to reports. Firefighters continued to “sweep” the chimney to ensure complete extinguishment, a process expected to grab some time.

The fire department’s rapid response, including the deployment of a tank truck, brought the situation under control within an hour, halting the smoke production and eliminating immediate fire risk. Authorities have indicated the home will require ventilation to clear residual smoke.

The cause of the chimney fire remains undetermined at this time. The fire department responded with urgency, classified as a Prio 1 incident, requiring a response within 15 minutes due to the potential for a life-threatening situation, according to dispatch information.