Series of Arson Fires Ravage Vacant Buildings Across Zeeland

Over the past year, seven empty structures in the Dutch province of Zeeland have been consumed by fire. The incidents include the complete destruction of the derelict building 't Hoompje in Sluis, a 1913 farm house in Westdorpe, the former truckers' café De Roode Leeuw in Nieuw‑ en Sint Joosland, a historic weaver's loft in Sint‑Jansteen, a vacant barn in Tholen, and repeated blazes at a former hotel in Westkapelle. Police suspect deliberate arson in several cases and have opened investigations, though no suspects have been identified. Firefighters have responded to each event, deploying dozens of personnel to contain the flames and prevent spread to nearby areas.