A significant fire broke out on the evening of Saturday, March 22, 2025, in a warehouse located on Aalsmeerderweg in Rozenburg, which is close to Schiphol Airport. The fire, reported at approximately 20:40, produced such substantial amounts of smoke that airport authorities made the decision to divert incoming flights to a different runway.
Initially, planes that typically land on the Kaagbaan were redirected to the Aalsmeerbaan. This measure was implemented around 21:00 and, according to an airport spokesperson, did not disrupt the overall capacity or flight schedules of the airport. “This means that flight schedules remain unchanged,” the spokesperson confirmed to local media.
Around 20:45, emergency services arrived at the scene, and multiple fire units began working to control the flames. The fire brigade emphasized that their top priority was to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby residential properties. Fortunately, despite the intensity of the blaze, there were no significant injuries reported at the site. However, one individual was treated on-site by ambulance personnel for smoke inhalation—a reminder of the dangers posed by such emergencies.
Residents living in the surrounding area were advised to keep their windows and doors closed to avoid exposure to the smoke drifting towards Hoofddorp. The Aalsmeerderweg was partially closed during firefighting efforts, and many local residents remained vigilant as the situation developed.
By around 23:00, the fire brigade announced that the fire in the warehouse was under control. Firefighters were currently on the scene, completing the extinguishing process and ensuring that all residual smoldering areas were adequately treated to prevent any flare-ups.
With the fire under control, air traffic at Schiphol was able to resume its normal routines. An airport official indicated shortly after that the earlier runway diversion due to the fire did not affect the capacity of the airport, and all flights could return to their scheduled routes. Flight schedules had remained unchanged despite the emergency, an impressive feat considering the circumstances.
The cause of the fire remained unknown as of the last reports. Investigations by local fire marshals may provide further insights into how the incident began. Local authorities have been diligent in sending updates to ensure residents are informed and safe.
The community has responded with relief as they learn that their safety protocols helped limit the impact of the fire. Although the situation could have escalated dramatically, prompt response from firefighting units and clear communication with residents appeared to mitigate panic and confusion.
In summary, the fire in Rozenburg serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of emergency preparedness and effective communication in residential areas during such crises. With no significant injuries to report and a resilient community handling the situation, the incident concluded with a restored sense of normalcy for those living near Schiphol.