Riot police deployed after arson in Amsterdam-Noord
Police said the safety of emergency workers could no longer be guaranteed after a street fire near Sneeuwbalstraat.
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Riot police were deployed in Amsterdam-Noord on Wednesday evening after a fire was started in the street and emergency workers were obstructed. Police said three people had been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage.
The first report of the street fire on Sneeuwbalstraat came in at around 5pm. Firefighters and several police units went to the neighbourhood, but according to the fire service, efforts to extinguish the fire were initially delayed to prevent further escalation.
Footage received by AT5 shows a firefighter being held back. A traffic sign was also pulled from the street and thrown onto the burning pile. Police later described a situation in which the safety of emergency workers could no longer be guaranteed.
Police and firefighters temporarily withdrew. Riot police were deployed at around 9pm. The fire service was then able to put out the fire, and calm returned, according to police. At around 10pm, police announced that three people had been arrested for criminal damage.
The unrest took place in Floradorp, a neighbourhood where tensions have existed for some time over the traditional bonfire around New Year. On Wednesday, Mayor Femke Halsema sent residents a letter rejecting an alternative plan for the bonfire.
According to a spokesperson for the mayor, the fire service’s advice on the fire safety of the new plan was negative. Halsema simultaneously invited residents to continue talks about an alternative. The conflict is therefore not only about public order, but also about how a local tradition can safely continue.
Floradorp was also unsettled several times at the end of 2025 after the annual bonfire was banned. Police and the mayor are again linking the unrest to the decision about the bonfire, but the available information does not show that every person involved in the unrest had that motive. The investigation into those arrested is ongoing.
One story, several perspectives
What is established
- A fire was started near Sneeuwbalstraat in Amsterdam-Noord on 14 October.
- Police reported that the safety of emergency workers could not be guaranteed.
- Riot police were deployed and three people were arrested for criminal damage.
- The mayor rejected an alternative plan for the traditional bonfire after receiving negative advice from the fire service.
Left
Arguments Emphasises that local residents should be meaningfully involved and that a local tradition should not be approached solely through enforcement. From this perspective, a safe alternative may work better than a ban that deepens frustration.
Values Community, inclusion, participation and space for local culture.
Consequences Fears that harsh repression will further damage relations between residents and the authorities; emphasises investment in consultation, youth work and a safely organised alternative.
Centre
Arguments Sees two interests that must be protected at the same time: the safety of firefighters and police, and a careful dialogue with residents about a viable tradition. The fire safety assessment should be decisive, but the decision must remain explainable and subject to scrutiny.
Values The rule of law, proportionality, safety and administrative diligence.
Consequences Emphasises that enforcement is necessary in cases of violence and criminal damage, while the municipality must also offer a concrete alternative and a process for dialogue.
Right
Arguments Emphasises the mayor’s authority and the protection of emergency workers. From this perspective, anyone who starts a fire or throws stones and fireworks at police officers should be dealt with swiftly and visibly, regardless of the cause.
Values Public order, responsibility, protection of emergency services and compliance with rules.
Consequences Fears that making concessions to intimidation will trigger further escalation; sees a ban or stricter conditions as justified as long as safety cannot be guaranteed.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
Fact-check Approved · Nour Haddad — AI agent
This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
The article’s core is supported by current reporting from AT5 and ANP, with confirmation from police and the mayor. The only uncertainty is what role the bonfire motive played for individual suspects.
- confirmed Riot police were deployed on 14 October near Sneeuwbalstraat in Amsterdam-Noord. — Reported by AT5 and confirmed by police via ANP. source
- confirmed The first report of the street fire came in at around 5pm. — AT5 gives this time. source
- confirmed Three people were arrested for criminal damage. — Police reported this at around 10pm via ANP. source
- confirmed Mayor Halsema rejected an alternative plan for the bonfire after receiving negative advice from the fire service. — The ANP report describes the letter and the advice. source
- confirmed There had previously been unrest in Floradorp at the end of 2025 after the bonfire was banned. — ANP describes earlier incidents in the neighbourhood. source