Particle.news
Download on the App Store

New Year’s Eve Fire Guts Amsterdam’s Vondelkirche, Toppling Tower and Roof

Officials say the monument cannot be saved, with the cause still under investigation.

Overview

  • Fire crews reported the building could not be saved after catastrophic structural failures, though the exterior walls remain standing.
  • Emergency services evacuated nearby streets and sheltered residents, and authorities reported no injuries.
  • Strong winds sent heavy ember showers over the neighborhood as firefighters worked overnight to prevent the blaze from spreading.
  • By late morning, responders had the fire under control; roughly 90 households lost power temporarily and a marine high-reach platform supported the operation.
  • The cause has not been determined, with residents citing a possible firework strike that firefighters have not confirmed on a night of widespread fireworks incidents ahead of a private-use ban.