Local residents wake up to Vondelkerk largely destroyed as fire declared under control

Firefighters have brought the New Year’s Eve fire at Amsterdam’s Vondelkerk under control. The historic church, built in 1880 near Vondelpark, lost its tower, part of the central section, and much of its roof, but the side walls remain standing, with no further risk of collapse, Hart van Nederland reported.

Residents are beginning to process the destruction. Marielle Bakker, 55, who lives a few streets away, told Het Parool Thursday morning, “Yesterday we were partying at our place. We didn’t notice, smell, or hear anything. I think it’s a giant shame. I hope that, just like with Notre Dame, many business owners want to help out so it can be renovated.”

Dozens of neighbors had been evacuated during the fire, as smoke and falling debris posed risks. Power was temporarily shut off to approximately 90 homes on Vondelstraat, and evacuated residents were sheltered on P.C. Hooftstraat. The church's manager, Stadsherstel, is currently exploring solutions for tenants.

Authorities have fenced off the area to prevent people from approaching the damaged church. “Bicycles inside the fenced area cannot be collected for now,” the Amsterdam-Amstelland Safety Region reported at 11:29 a.m.

The municipality plans to clean the streets with a specialized vehicle and warned that soot may have settled on gardens, windows, cars, and outdoor furniture, advising residents to rinse affected surfaces gently with water and soap.

Mayor Femke Halsema called the fire “a very intense and terrible fire in this monumental church,” emphasizing that ensuring the safety and well-being of neighbors is the city’s priority.