A devastating fire tore through a historic Amsterdam church in the early hours of New Year's Day, causing its tower to collapse and forcing the evacuation of nearby homes. The blaze at the 19th-century Vondelkerk is believed to have been started by a stray firework during celebrations.
Inferno Erupts Amid Celebrations
The fire broke out at approximately 12.45am on 1 January 2026 at the Vondelkerk, a church constructed in 1880 located near the city's famous Vondelpark. Eyewitnesses reported seeing flames rapidly engulf the building's roof and spire.
James Pearson, a 39-year-old researcher at the University of Amsterdam, was celebrating with friends when he heard the news. "Some said they heard the Vondelkerk was on fire and we went out to see what was happening," he explained. "We think it was a firework that hit the top of it. We could see the fire spreading."
Tower Collapse and Firefighting Challenges
The situation escalated dramatically shortly after 1am when the church's tower, severely compromised by the flames, collapsed inwards. Dramatic footage captured the moment it crumbled.
Fire crews faced significant challenges battling the inferno. Strong winds fanned the flames and complicated efforts to contain the blaze, raising fears it could spread to adjacent buildings. Despite the roof caving in and the tower's destruction, authorities later confirmed there was no further risk of collapse.
Community Impact and Investigation
As a safety precaution, scores of residences in the vicinity were evacuated due to dangerous smoke and falling debris. James Pearson described the scene: "It's slowly travelled down the spire and then it collapsed. It looked like the surrounding buildings were at risk of catching fire too."
While the fire's official cause is under investigation, local media and eyewitness accounts strongly suggest a firework striking the roof was the likely origin. The side walls of the church remain standing, but the central portion of the tower and most of the roof were lost.
The loss of the Vondelkerk, a landmark of architectural and historical significance, has sent shockwaves through the Amsterdam community, casting a shadow over the New Year festivities.
