Fire destroys Haarlem community center targeted by prior explosion
A large fire tore through a community center on Stresemannlaan in Haarlem early Sunday morning, causing significant damage to the building. The fire follows two recent incidents at the same location: an explosion last week and a suspicious object thrown inside the building just one day before the fire. Authorities are investigating whether the incidents are connected.
The fire started around 4:30 a.m., quickly engulfing a large portion of the building in flames. Firefighters arrived promptly and managed to extinguish the fire, but not before substantial damage was done. “There was no one inside at the time, and no evacuations were necessary in the surrounding area,” a spokesperson for the regional safety authority confirmed.
This is the third incident at the community center in just over a week. Last Saturday, an explosion at the building caused minor damage, including a shattered window, a damaged rain pipe, and soot marks on the exterior. The fire department quickly contained that fire. Police suspected intentional involvement and began an investigation.
On Saturday morning, police responded to another suspicious act at the same location. Officers were called to the scene at 2:30 a.m. after an object was thrown inside the building. As a precaution, authorities sealed off the street and deployed an explosives expert and a police dog to search for evidence. Police have not disclosed what was found. Investigators also reviewed nearby security footage and called for witnesses to come forward.
