Multiple fires and assaults on emergency personnel shake Amsterdam and Sliedrecht

Dutch authorities faced violent incidents in multiple cities during New Year’s Eve, including repeated fires in Amsterdam’s Floradorp neighborhood and attacks on police and emergency responders in Sliedrecht.

In Floradorp, Amsterdam, riot police intervened multiple times Wednesday night after groups set fires on Dotterbloemstraat, a police spokesperson confirmed.

The first fire started around 12:30 a.m. and quickly grew. Authorities managed to restore order promptly, but later that night, a second fire broke out on the same street. Riot police again dispersed the crowd, allowing firefighters to extinguish the blaze. During the confrontations, some individuals threw fireworks at officers.

The unrest follows recent tension in Floradorp after the city’s annual bonfire was banned by Mayor Femke Halsema due to safety concerns.

In Sliedrecht, police also faced extreme violence. At least one arrest was reported as officers and emergency personnel were targeted during New Year’s celebrations. Nine Kooiman, chair of the Dutch Police Union, reported on X that she experienced multiple assaults while working a shift in Amsterdam, being pelted at least three times.

The police union ACP added that officers and municipal enforcement officials (boa’s) were attacked with fireworks while performing their duties. “They are working to ensure the safety of others. Violence against emergency responders is unacceptable. ACP stands behind its members,” the union wrote on X.

Kooiman praised the professionalism of the officers despite the attacks: “I truly hope everyone gets home safely. The Netherlands can be grateful to these heroes. They acted professionally and appropriately. There are many arrests, and order has been restored, but it came at too high a cost.” She called the deliberate targeting and obstruction of emergency personnel “sickening beyond words.”