A major fire broke out early Thursday at Café De Ruif on Kerkstraat in Delft’s historic city centre, near the Nieuwe Kerk. A single report said the fire may have started outside before spreading into the café. Microtheater, also on Kerkstraat, sustained heavy damage.

Firefighters deployed multiple vehicles because of a risk that the fire could spread to nearby buildings. Ten surrounding homes were evacuated as a precaution, with about 15 to 20 residents received at a nearby café. The fire service said it was not aware of anyone being inside the affected building, and advised people affected by smoke to keep windows and doors closed and switch off mechanical ventilation.