LEEUWARDEN – A significant fire erupted on Saturday night at Club Zayn, located at Ruiterskwartier, dramatically disrupting the nightlife scene and prompting the evacuation of nearby establishments. The fire was reported around 9:15 PM, quickly escalated to a major incident requiring extensive emergency response, and created substantial smoke visible throughout the city.
Firefighters were quickly mobilized to the scene, marking the incident with 'GRIP1' protocol due to the dense urban environment and heavy smoke. "No one was inside the building at the time of the fire," local reports confirmed, alleviating immediate concerns about casualties within the nightclub.
Unfortunately, several individuals were affected indirectly; around five people required medical attention for smoke inhalation. The fierce flames not only illuminated the night sky but also caused significant smoke damage to adjacent buildings, requiring the evacuation of the entire Ruiterskwartier and surrounding areas, including residential buildings along the backstreet, Doelesteeg.
Local business owner Jesus Ottingh de Jong noted the exceptional nature of the night, stating, "For the first time since the corona lockdowns, the Doelesteeg is empty on Saturday night," highlighting the dramatic effects the fire had on the local economy and nightlife. With many bars and clubs forced to close their doors, the aftermath of the fire could pose long-term challenges for the local hospitality sector.
The fire incident drew widespread attention, with the safety authority issuing an NL Alert urging residents to remain indoors and to close their windows to minimize exposure to the hazardous smoke. This alert was key as clouds of smoke, thick and acrid, rolled across the city center, impacting air quality significantly.
Emergency services employed drones to gain aerial views of the fire, assisting efforts to control the situation effectively. The firefighting teams worked relentlessly through the night, battling the flames, and by 1:00 AM, the fire department announced the situation was under control, yet cautioned the public and media could expect firefighting efforts to continue for several more hours.
Reports also suggested the possibility of asbestos being released due to the fire, prompting heightened concerns over public safety. Local authorities acted swiftly to assess risks and to inform residents properly about safety measures. Once the fire was under control, the NL Alert was rescinded, allowing residents to safely reopen their windows and doors, signaling the favorable shift of circumstances within the distressed area.
While firefighters worked to extinguish the last remnants of the blaze, officials stated there was still no clear information about the cause of the fire. Investigators will presumably begin their work once the area is deemed sufficiently safe, marking the next phase of this incident. With many businesses closed and the community impacted, the ramifications of the fire at Club Zayn will likely resonate throughout Leeuwarden for some time.
This weekend saw not only significant fire management response but also widespread cooperation among emergency services, gaining accolades from the community for their swift actions. The impacts on nightlife and businesses will continue to be evaluated as the community responds to this unprecedented event.