Swimming lake 't Nije Hemelriek closed after fire

The aftermath of the devastating fire at restaurant 't Nije Hemelriek remains visible due to the pollution of the nearby swimming lake and beach. Staatsbosbeheer is currently engaged in cleanup operations, with workers clearing charred debris and removing insulation material from the trees.

Swimming lake and beach closed

Swimming lake 't Nije Hemelriek remains closed for now. The water is polluted with soot and has turned black. The top layer of the beach was excavated yesterday and is being cleaned. The newly exposed layer of sand is clean. Forest ranger Linde Veldhoen urges people to avoid the beach so the cleanup team can work undisturbed. Visitors are directed to the nearby swimming lake 't Gasselterveld, which remains open and clean.

Possible pumping of the lake

Pumping out the swimming lake 't Nije Hemelriek to clean it is one of the options being considered. This is feasible due to an existing pump between 't Nije Hemelriek and 't Gasselterveld, which is normally used to transfer water from 't Gasselterveld to 't Nije Hemelriek during hot summer days. Whether it is safe to pump out the lake now and the potential consequences are still to be determined.

On June 12, the water board took samples of the water and soil to assess their quality. Ultimately, the province will decide if and when the swimming water can be reopened, as they hold final responsibility.

Limited effects on nature

According to Hans Alting, spokesperson for Staatsbosbeheer, the effects on the nature surrounding 't Nije Hemelriek are limited. The current operations and the results of the water and soil analysis will determine how quickly the swimming lake can be safely reopened.