Massive Fire at Amsterdam Electric Scooter Storage Facility Triggers NL-Alert

Amsterdam, Netherlands – A large fire erupted at an electric scooter storage facility in Amsterdam-Westpoort on Friday, March 20, 2026, sending plumes of black smoke over the city and prompting an NL-Alert warning residents to close their windows and doors.

Fire Breaks Out at Scooter Company

The fire began just after 3:00 PM local time at a facility on Nieuwe Hemweg in the Westpoort district. Initial reports indicate that several electric scooters outside the building caught fire, and the flames quickly spread to a storage shed NH Nieuws. The affected company handles scooters from Felyx, a shared electric scooter provider that resumed operations after another company, Go Sharing, ceased business in early 2025 NH Nieuws.

NL-Alert Issued, Evacuations Ordered

Authorities issued an NL-Alert, a national warning system in the Netherlands, advising residents in Amsterdam-West, Badhoevedorp, and parts of Amstelveen to close their windows and doors due to the heavy smoke Het Parool. Buildings in the immediate vicinity of the fire were evacuated, and occupants of other buildings on the industrial estate were instructed to remain indoors NH Nieuws.

Fire Department Response and Challenges

The Amsterdam fire department scaled up its response to a “large fire” and faced initial difficulties due to problems with the water supply at the site NH Nieuws. Firefighters ultimately allowed the building to burn out in a controlled manner and began demolishing the structure. A Grip 1 regional emergency was declared, mobilizing additional equipment and personnel NL Times.

Smoke Visible Over a Wide Area

The massive smoke cloud was visible from a considerable distance, with reports coming in from as far away as Rotterdam and Utrecht AD. An air ambulance landed as a precaution, but no injuries have been reported NH Nieuws.

Investigation Ongoing

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. The building is considered a total loss NL Times.