Floradorpers boos over verbod vreugdevuur: verhitte bewonersavond

The residents' meeting in Noord, where the police, fire department, and Mayor Halsema explained the decision to permanently end the bonfire in Floradorp, caused a stir on Monday evening. Several visitors expressed their dissatisfaction and set off fireworks. Last May, it was announced that the triangular organization (mayor, police, and the Public Prosecution Service) would ban the annual bonfire, claiming it posed too many safety risks. According to Mayor Halsema, emergency services were busy dealing with the fire in Floradorp every year, resulting in fewer personnel available for the rest of the city. The fire's emissions also played a role in the decision. Because the ban had a significant impact on many Floradorp residents, the municipality organized a meeting. "We understand that this decision may raise questions and emotions," the municipality stated in the invitation. AT5 was not welcome inside, so we spoke with several visitors outside. Patrick van Bronswijk, a long-time bonfire organizer, had already indicated before the residents' meeting that he had serious doubts about a positive outcome. Two minutes into the meeting, he was already outside again. "It's getting to be too much for me. People don't feel heard." The atmosphere was quite a shock for him. We heard from other attendees that people were shouting at each other, there was a lot of cursing, and the mood was grim. Fireworks After Mayor Halsema left the meeting after an hour and a half, some attendees shouted at her and set off fireworks. "It was an emotional evening," Halsema says. "People are angry because they value fire. And they consider it a very important tradition. I understand that. But I keep getting negative advice from the fire department because the risks are too great. And then I have to make a tough decision." She wasn't fazed by all the emotions, she says. "I was prepared for this. I do have a problem with the constant cursing." Also on the agenda was to look ahead to the upcoming New Year's Eve and think about an alternative celebration. According to a municipal spokesperson, they didn't get around to it on Monday evening. ❌ ❌ ❌ AT5 - Real Amsterdam News Subscribe to our YouTube channel here:    / at5   Tips or comments? Whatsapp: 06 511 909 38 Phone: 020 555 1155 Follow AT5: www.at5.nl Instagram: instagram.com/at5.nl Facebook: facebook.com/at5nl Twitter: twitter.com/at5