A large fire broke out in the early hours of April 21, 2025, at the former De Wereldkeuken restaurant located on the Overtoom in Westzaan, Noord-Holland. The fire was reported shortly after 01:30 AM, with flames shooting from the roof and thick plumes of black smoke billowing into the air, spreading over the town.
Emergency services, including multiple police units and fire trucks, were dispatched to the scene around 01:40 AM. As the situation escalated, the fire department upgraded the incident to a major fire by 02:30 AM, indicating that additional resources and personnel were needed to combat the blaze.
According to reports from the Zaanstreek-Waterland Safety Region, the fire was significant enough to prompt the establishment of a Command Site Incident (CoPI) around 03:00 AM for better coordination among emergency responders. This level of response, classified as GRIP 1, highlights the seriousness of the situation.
By 04:30 AM, the flames had flared up again, and the fire brigade was conducting what they referred to as an "outside offensive". A spokesperson for the safety region stated, “They are absolutely not going inside because it is a dangerous building. It is also advised not to walk around the building due to numerous holes.” This caution reflects the precarious nature of the structure, which had been vacant for some time.
As the fire raged on, local residents were advised to keep their windows and doors closed and to switch off mechanical ventilation systems due to the heavy smoke that was permeating the area. The smoke was reported to be visible and detectable over a wide region, causing significant concern among the nearby community.
By 07:15 AM, fire officials confirmed that the fire was still not under control and that extinguishing efforts would likely take several more hours. The spokesperson for the fire department reiterated the danger posed by the building, emphasizing that it was unsafe to enter.
As the day progressed, the flames continued to consume the structure, with reports indicating that the building was considered lost. The fire department has since decided to let the fire burn out under controlled conditions, a decision that underscores the extent of the damage.
In addition to the immediate emergency response, the investigation into the cause of the fire is underway. Authorities have classified the cause as suspicious, particularly since the building had been previously evacuated earlier in the year due to squatting issues. This raises questions about the circumstances leading to the fire, and investigators are looking into potential connections.
The Overtoom area was closed off due to the presence of numerous fire trucks and emergency personnel, further complicating access for local residents and businesses. The fire has not only disrupted the immediate vicinity but has also raised alarms about safety protocols for abandoned properties in the region.
As of now, there are no indications that anyone was inside the building at the time of the fire, which has provided some relief to the emergency services involved. However, the community remains on alert as the situation develops, with many expressing concerns about the future of the site and the implications of such incidents on public safety.
The fire at De Wereldkeuken serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with vacant properties, especially those that have a history of being occupied illegally. As the investigation unfolds, residents and local officials will be watching closely to understand the full scope of the incident and the measures that will be taken to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
