From The New York Times:
A deconsecrated Amsterdam church built roughly 150 years ago was engulfed in flames in the early hours of New Year’s Day, prompting widespread evacuations and causing extensive damage to the cultural monument. There were no initial reports of casualties. [scroll for more:]
The fire at the Vondelkerk broke out at around 12:45 a.m., according to the local authorities, sending flames shooting through its historic neo-Gothic spire. The blaze swiftly ravaged the Vondelkerk’s roof and collapsed its tower, and strong winds blew sparks and burning debris into the surrounding area, according to the area’s safety department.