New Year's Eve in Voorschoten Was Fairly Quiet

New Year’s Eve in the Hollands Midden Safety Region, of which Voorschoten is a part, was once again a busy time for emergency services. The situation across the region was busier than last year. However, despite the many calls, the collaborating emergency services managed to keep the situation well under control. The fire department and police therefore describe it as a manageable night.

As in previous years, the majority of the fire department’s responses involved extinguishing trash and dumpster fires. The largest emergency response was required in Alphen aan den Rijn, where several construction trailers were on fire. To coordinate cooperation among the emergency services, this major fire was escalated to GRIP1 shortly after 1:00 a.m.

Refreshed and rested, let's head into the new year

Mayor Nadine Stemerdink is pleased with how New Year’s Eve went in Voorschoten. “In close consultation with the emergency services, we prepared for this night from start to finish. For example, the special enforcement officers and the police kept a close eye on things at various locations, our fire department was on standby as always, and we were once again able to count on the street maintenance crew, who, as we speak, are already out driving around to clean the streets. Thanks to all these hardworking people, we can all start the new year feeling refreshed and well-rested.”

Close cooperation in the region

To ensure a safe New Year’s Eve, emergency services worked closely together. Municipalities, the police, the fire department, the ambulance service, and public works departments prepared for various scenarios. Additional staff were deployed to the emergency dispatch center to handle the large number of calls that always come in during New Year’s Eve.

This year, too, cooperation with the police and the Public Prosecutor’s Office remained a key focus within the Hollands Midden Safety Region to ensure a zero-tolerance policy against aggression and violence directed at emergency responders. Such behavior will not be tolerated, and incidents of this nature are always reported to the police immediately. Suspects can be summoned to appear before a judge in a short period of time through expedited proceedings.

During New Year’s Eve, the fire department wore body cameras for the first time while responding to incidents in certain high-risk areas. At the time the Hollands Midden Safety Region issued its press release (5:00 a.m.), there were no known reports or complaints of violence against emergency responders. In general, they were able to carry out their work in safe conditions, although the atmosphere was tense in some cases.

Fire Department

The fire department in the Hollands Midden Safety Region once again handled a large number of calls this New Year’s Eve. All 45 fire stations were fully operational throughout New Year’s Eve and were involved, to varying degrees, in responding to incidents. Between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m., a total of 137 calls were handled, compared to 95 calls last year and 111 calls the year before. Based on the number of calls, this New Year’s Eve was busier for the fire department than in recent years.

Across virtually the entire safety region, fire stations have been dispatched to respond to small outdoor fires and container fires. In a number of cases, the fire department was called to respond to vehicle fires. In total, the dispatch center received 15 reports of vehicle fires.

Police

The police in Hollands Midden played a key role in ensuring a safe New Year’s Eve. Police operations in the region proceeded without any major incidents, thanks in part to close cooperation with other emergency services.

Medical Care

Between 10:00 p.m. on December 31 and 5:00 a.m. on January 1, the level of activity at healthcare facilities in the region varied. Some facilities reported a quieter night, while others saw no clear difference compared to last year. Alrijne Hospital reported fewer patients with COPD and pneumonia symptoms (fireworks can lead to reduced lung function, worsening of asthma, and an increase in respiratory symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath). The LUMC also saw a decrease in the number of patients with eye injuries caused by fireworks.

In total, healthcare facilities treated fifteen people for fireworks-related injuries. In addition, seventeen people were treated for alcohol poisoning—including two minors—and four people were treated for drug-related symptoms. Eight people were treated for injuries sustained in fights, and seven patients were treated following traffic accidents.

Inspection of Fireworks Sales

The West-Holland Environmental Agency and the Midden-Holland Environmental Agency, in collaboration with the Hollands Midden Fire Department, once again conducted inspections this year of the storage and sale of fireworks in the Hollands Midden Safety Region. These inspections, aimed at ensuring compliance with legal requirements, took place both prior to the sales period and during the days of sale.

In the month leading up to the sale, regulators assessed whether sprinklers, fire alarm systems, and storage areas met the required standards. All 54 retail locations in the region were inspected: 27 in Holland Rijnland and 27 in the Midden-Holland region. No violations were found during these preliminary inspections, which were conducted in collaboration with the fire department.

During the sales days on December 28, 30, and 31, inspectors visited the retail locations multiple times. The focus was on compliance with regulations, such as proper storage and safety around fireworks. In the Midden-Holland region, a total of three violations were identified. In the Holland Rijnland region, a total of eleven violations were identified at seven sales locations. All violations were resolved on the spot. No fines were issued.

Want to know more?

A complete overview of the New Year’s Eve celebrations can be found on the Hollands Midden Safety Region website: www.vrhm.nl/jaarwisseling-2024-2025.