The Amsterdam-Amstelland fire brigade can now hold realistic exercises on the former Cindu site in Uithoorn, where a huge explosion took place in 1992. Firefighters can fight real flames caused by burning wood in a training object on the site. That is unique in the region.
The new training location has many advantages compared to the current training location at Schiphol, explains Amsterdam-Amstelland Fire Brigade Officer Peter Butter. “We make fires there with natural gas. That does not give off smoke and we do need that [red. om goed te kunnen oefenen].”
real smoke
The practice object consists of sea containers that are connected to each other. It has several floors and inside there are pallets that can be set on fire. As with a real fire, this creates thick black smoke. In this way, firefighters can better prepare themselves for situations they encounter when they enter a burning building during their work.
Uithoornaars got the chance to take a look at the new training ground last Saturday. The fire brigade was ready to give explanations and demonstrations. “We want to create understanding for the actions that we will be carrying out in the coming years,” explains Butter. Smoke can of course always cause some nuisance, although the former Cindu site has been chosen because it is not located in a residential area. The nuisance should therefore be limited.
The new training ground has a sad history. On July 8, 1992, thirty years ago, three firefighters were killed in an explosion on the same site where the Cindu factory was then located. Firefighter Jan van Kooten (85) was seriously burned in the disaster. NH News spoke to him during the commemoration of last July.
The Cindu disaster is no reason for the fire brigade not to choose this site as a training location. The exercises can actually help to be better prepared for disaster situations. “It is of course terrible, but a very long time ago. Give time a chance”, says Butter. “I spoke to colleagues who were involved in the fire and they only applaud that we can practice well. They also understand that you need to be trained to do your job well.”