A fire broke out late Tuesday at the Kærshovedgård departure center in the Danish municipality of Ikast-Brande. Police and emergency services quickly arrived at the scene, where several people were evacuated from one of the affected buildings. Authorities say there is no immediate danger to anyone at the center.
Fire Confirmed at Kærshovedgård
Mid and West Jutland Police have confirmed that a fire has broken out at the Kærshovedgård departure center, an institution used to house people required to leave Denmark or who cannot be deported immediately. The center is located outside the town of Ikast in central Jutland, and local authorities were alerted shortly after the fire started.
According to the police, the fire affected one of the facility’s residential buildings. Firefighters and rescue teams responded rapidly to contain the flames and prevent the fire from spreading to neighboring structures.
Evacuation and Safety Efforts
Officers at the scene report that a number of residents were safely evacuated from the building where the fire broke out. While the exact number of people relocated has not been disclosed, officials emphasize that everyone inside the affected area was moved to safety.
Police and emergency teams worked closely with staff from the center to coordinate the evacuation process. Temporary shelters were set up within other parts of the facility to accommodate evacuees.
At this stage, the cause of the fire remains unknown. Investigators will begin examining the site once firefighters have determined it is safe to enter the building. Specialists from the fire department and technical investigators are expected to take part in this process.
No Immediate Danger Reported
The duty officer at Mid and West Jutland Police has stated that, despite the seriousness of the incident, there is no immediate danger to those staying at Kærshovedgård. Firefighters remain on-site to monitor the situation and ensure that no hidden embers reignite later on.
Because Kærshovedgård is a secured facility, evacuations must be carefully managed and coordinated with staff. Police have accordingly maintained a visible presence around the center to keep the situation under control.
Background on the Kærshovedgård Center
Kærshovedgård has long been one of Denmark’s most debated government-run institutions. Managed by the Danish Prison and Probation Service, the center houses rejected asylum seekers, people with expulsion orders, and foreign nationals under certain restrictions.
Over the years, local residents and human rights organizations have voiced concerns about living conditions and safety measures at the center. The facility’s remote location and strict regime have made it a controversial part of the Danish immigration system. Because of that, any incident there – such as Tuesday’s fire – draws immediate national attention.
Authorities have not announced whether the fire has caused structural damage to other buildings within the facility. Assessments will be made later once the area is safe to examine.
Ongoing Investigation
As the situation continues to evolve, the police are expected to provide updates once the cause of the fire can be determined. Investigators are currently gathering witness statements from staff and residents who were present when the fire started.
Given that fires in such high-security institutions can raise many questions, both the Danish Fire and Rescue Service and the National Police are expected to review the handling of Tuesday’s emergency response.
There have been no injuries reported so far, and all individuals evacuated are accounted for. Officials emphasize that the top priority now is ensuring continued safety at the center and restoring normal operations as soon as possible.
Sources and References
TV 2 News: Live coverage – Fire at Kærshovedgård departure center
No immediate danger to persons
Residents evacuated
Police confirm the fire
