THE NETHERLANDS – Major blaze erupts at Amsterdam e-scooter depot; thick smoke blankets city
A major fire broke out Friday the 20th at an industrial site on Nieuwe Hemweg in Amsterdam’s Westpoort district, sending dense black smoke towering over the city. The flames initially started with several electric scooters parked outside the facility but quickly escalated. Though the blaze looked severe, authorities reported no injuries.
Fire Development
The fire began shortly after 3 p.m., with its cause still unknown. As the flames intensified, they spread to a nearby storage building. Emergency officials later announced that firefighters had decided to let the structure burn itself out under controlled conditions due to the extent of the fire.
Emergency Response
Fire crews rapidly scaled up their operations, declaring the situation a major incident at 3:28 p.m. Multiple ambulances and even a trauma helicopter team were dispatched as a precaution. By 3:45 p.m., the Grip 1 emergency protocol was activated, bringing in additional personnel and coordinating all responders under a single incident commander.
Public Alert and Safety Measures
Because of the thick smoke drifting across southern parts of the city, many residents and visitors received an NL-Alert on their mobile phones. The message instructed people to avoid smoke exposure, close all windows and doors, and switch off ventilation systems. Officials noted that smoke levels began to subside by around 4:45 p.m.
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