Dutch police arrested the organiser of an all-night rave in an Amsterdam warehouse where a blaze killed one and injured six yesterday.

Police were still investigating the cause of the fire, but excluded any link with a wave of at least 20 arson attacks on mosques, churches and schools since outspoken Dutch filmmaker Theo van Gogh was killed.

The fire broke out between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. when several hundred party-goers were still inside the building at an industrial estate occupied by squatters. The 30-year-old party organiser was detained and suspected of culpable homicide.

"The firemen found one deceased victim inside. Six have been taken to hospital with severe burns as well as breathing problems," said Fire Brigade spokesman Kees Jongh.

A thick column of smoke could be seen from many parts of Amsterdam. Fire fighters were at the scene with 15 fire engines and other vehicles.

Raves are popular in Netherlands, often filling an entire stadium with more than 10,000 party-goers.