Amsterdam garage fire forces evacuation of 55 homes; man arrested

Police arrested a man on suspicion of arson after a fire in a parking garage below an Amsterdam apartment block forced residents of 55 homes to evacuate, according to Het Parool and AD.

The blaze started at about 02:45 on Friday in Amsterdam Nieuw-West, near Rembrandtpark and the A10 ring road. Firefighters said several vehicles were burning inside the garage, sending thick smoke above the building and into the neighbourhood.

Fire crews brought additional appliances and used a firefighting robot to reach parts of the garage. Residents living nearby were urged to shut their windows and doors if affected by smoke.

At least 55 homes directly above the garage were evacuated as a precaution while crews fought the fire. Ambulance personnel examined a number of people after smoke exposure, but none needed to be taken to hospital, Het Parool reported.

Firefighters brought the flames under control at about 05:15. Ending the active fire did not mean the building was ready for occupation, and many of those evacuated were still unable to return later in the morning.

Police detained a 26-year-old Amsterdam man on suspicion of starting the blaze. Investigators were examining whether a personal dispute was involved, but the report did not establish a motive and the arrest was not proof of guilt.

Damage to electricity and sewage installations complicated efforts to return residents to their flats. Utility operator Liander cut electricity to the building for safety reasons, also affecting some homes and businesses nearby.

The fire's effects therefore continued after firefighters had extinguished the flames. Residents needed confirmation that the damaged systems and building were safe before moving back into their homes.

Authorities had not released a definitive total of damaged vehicles, a complete estimate of property losses, or a precise timetable for restoring power and access to the evacuated apartments.

The fire was a single incident at the garage, while nearby electricity outages were a consequence of that incident. No separate attack on the power network was identified in the source material.

Police continued investigating the suspected arson. Officials had not reported serious injuries requiring hospital treatment, despite the heavy smoke and large number of homes evacuated.