Historic Vondelkerk Tower collapses in devastating Amsterdam fire

The tower of Amsterdam’s historic Vondelkerk was engulfed in flames and ultimately collapsed early morning of January 1, prompting a major fire declaration and a regional emergency alert.

The blaze, which began shortly after midnight, continued unabated as of 2:30 a.m., leading authorities to issue an NL-Alert warning residents about dense smoke in the area. Parts of the top of the 154-year-old church had already broken off after the fire raged into its second hour. Emergency services described the scene as a “huge shower of sparks” flying eastward from the tower, NL Times reports.

“This is a very intense and terrible fire in this monumental church,” said Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema. “Our first concern and priority now is the well-being and homes of the immediate residents.”

Surrounding homes were evacuated as a precaution, though authorities could not immediately confirm how many households were affected or specify the streets involved. Officials noted that burning embers, some containing “old wood,” were being carried by the wind toward the city center.

Reporters at the scene observed street closures around the church, with many bystanders expressing shock and emotion at the unfolding disaster. The NL-Alert advised residents to “Keep your distance and allow emergency services to operate freely,” shortly before 2 a.m.

Emergency responders were seen going door-to-door in nearby neighborhoods to ensure residents were evacuated safely. The fire was declared a major incident by 1 a.m., due to the rapidly spreading flames and the density of the surrounding area.

Authorities elevated the alarm to a Grip 2 regional disaster early Thursday, mobilizing emergency personnel from outside Amsterdam to assist in controlling the fire and preventing further spread. The protocol activated a Regional Operational Team to manage crisis response for those affected, supplementing the coordination of the incident commander.

Residents in the vicinity were advised to “Stay out of the smoke. Close windows and doors. Switch ventilation systems off."

By Vafa Guliyeva