A catastrophic fire has destroyed the state-of-the-art Ecco Leather production facility in Dongen, one of Europe’s most advanced leather manufacturing sites.
The blaze erupted around 10:00 p.m. on May 4 at the Tichelrijt industrial estate, engulfing the entire 14,000-square-meter factory. Despite swift action, firefighters were unable to stop the flames from spreading into the chemical storage area. As a result, emergency services opted for a controlled burn, finally bringing the fire under control between 5:00 and 5:30 a.m. on May 5.
Thousands of liters of oil and several tons of chemicals were incinerated in the inferno. Officials stated that most of the hazardous materials were consumed immediately, minimizing any immediate airborne health risks. However, efforts to contain contaminated firefighting water were only partially successful, leading to runoff into a nearby ditch—raising concerns about potential environmental impact.
Adding to the severity, the building’s roof was lined with approximately 5,000 solar panels. Their combustion released acrid particles that traveled as far as eight kilometers. While air quality measurements did not detect elevated pollutant levels, authorities advised local residents to keep windows and doors closed as a precaution.
The loss of this high-tech leather production hub is a significant blow to the industry, both for its scale and its role as a benchmark of modern leather manufacturing in Europe.
