Six injured, one critically, in major apartment fire in Landsmeer
One person was critically hurt, and five others suffered minor injuries after a large fire broke out Monday morning in a home above a thrift store on Dorpsstraat in Landsmeer. Fire crews responded to the scene around 9 a.m. and quickly escalated the alarm to a “major fire,” but the home was left uninhabitable.
The person who was most seriously injured was revived by first responders, said the Zaanstreek-Waterland Safety Region. That person was treated for severe smoke inhalation, and was rushed to an area hospital.
The individual and their partner reside in the home. The emergency services office did not release that person's condition, nor the extent of their injuries. The other five were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation, and did not require hospitalization.
Firefighters were first dispatched to the scene at 8:56 a.m., and the alarm was quickly elevated twice within a few minutes. At least four ambulances were sent as part of the response, along with a trauma team traveling by helicopter.
According to Erik Ablij, spokesperson for the Zaanstreek-Waterland Safety Region, the fire appears to have originated in the apartment, likely due to an electrical issue. The building sustained heavy damage, including a partially burned roof, as firefighters worked to bring the flames under control.
Additionally, a staff member was brought in who helps specialize in helping firefighters struggling to handle the impact of a traumatic situation on their mental health.
Residents were advised to stay clear of the smoke, keep windows and doors closed, and turn off ventilation systems if smoke entered nearby homes.
As emergency crews began packing up, authorities confirmed that the couple’s apartment is currently uninhabitable. The Salvage Foundation is working with the residents to address the damage and recovery process. Officials stated that the village center around Dorpsstraat would remain closed for about half an hour as cleanup continued.
