Information about the fire was reported to the services shortly before 1. According to the fire brigade spokesman, quoted by nos.nl, flames are coming from the roof of the tower, and the situation is complicated by the huge number of falling sparks.
When did the Vondelkerk fire occur?
What actions does the fire brigade take?
Was anyone hurt in the fire?
What about the Vondelkerk building after the fire?
— Sparks spread over a wide area and pieces of wood also fall from the structure. This is very dangerous – he said.
Fire at the Vondelkerk churchLaurens Niezen / PAP
Vondelkerk fire in AmsterdamLaurens Niezen / PAP
According to preliminary information from the services, no one was hurt in the fire. Vondelkerk, was used as a Catholic church until 1977 – now it serves as a concert hall and office space.
The mayor of Amsterdam, Femke Halsema, also went to the site of the fire. — It's really terrible. I looked at the size of this fire and it is almost a brutal sight — she said, quoted by Dutch media.
She added that she understands the residents' concerns, the church is located in a densely built-up part of the city.
Evacuate the area. The building will probably not be saved
Due to the risk of fire spreading to surrounding buildings and the progressive collapse of parts of the structure, Dozens of houses around Vondelkerk were evacuated.
According to the latest information provided by the local fire brigade, the historic building can no longer be saved. The roof of the church collapsed. — The development is very dense, the houses are very close to each other. We are doing everything to stop the fire from spreading, the fire brigade said. A specialized fire-fighting vehicle from the Navy also takes part in the firefighting operation and supported firefighters in the fight against the fire.
