Lars PanderThe fire in the apartment complex on Vlieland yesterday
NOS Nieuws•vandaag, 17:42
An apartment complex on Vlieland was heavily damaged by a large fire yesterday. A cherry picker was brought over from the mainland to fight the fire. How does firefighting work on a Wadden Island and how does it differ from firefighting on the mainland?
Mayor Michiel Schrier van Vlieland emphasizes that firefighting on his island is no different from fighting elsewhere. “But the point is: what use is equipment and people at your disposal?” The island has more material for the approximately 1200 inhabitants than for the same number of inhabitants on the mainland, he explains. “Because you’re sitting with that boat: it takes an hour and a half.”
Material can be arranged, but when it comes to people, there is a dependence on volunteers, says Schrier. According to the mayor, it is fortunate that many islanders volunteer at the fire brigade and the Royal Dutch Rescue Society (KNRM). “We know on the island that we have to fend for ourselves, because it takes a while for people to sail in from the mainland.”
Help from KNRM
“There is a lot of solidarity and self-reliance on the islands,” confirms Jan Kees Toxopeus, spokesperson for the Fryslân Fire Brigade, which also includes Vlieland. There are eighteen firefighters on Vlieland. According to Toxopeus, even during the summer holidays, it is always ensured that the fire station is available, “so that at least one fire engine can drive out”.
In addition, the KNRM trains together with the fire brigade, so that KNRM volunteers can assist if necessary. “They rolled out the fire hoses yesterday,” says mayor Schrier. Staatsbosbeheer also has extra fire extinguishing water available if necessary and there is another contractor with a water tank, says Toxopeus.
Extra fire trucks entered
Sometimes extra hands and material are needed, like yesterday. “In the event of a major calamity, extra fire trucks are transported from shore,” says Schrier. “And people, because firefighters also get tired at some point.”
The fire service is regularly asked why the help does not come from the other Wadden Islands, because they are closer. “But you want the coverage to always be good there too,” says Toxopeus.
Toxopeus thinks that a fire like yesterday on Vlieland would have gone about the same way on the mainland. “Good work was done yesterday. The fire brigade prevented the fire from spreading to the surrounding forest, and there were no injuries, which is very good.”
Images of the fire in the apartment complex yesterday:
Fire on Vlieland in an apartment complex
2023-08-16 15:42:10
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