Fire departments in Veendam and Turnhout host community events

Fire departments in the Netherlands and Belgium are hosting community events and celebrating milestones. In Veendam, NL, the local fire department held an open house featuring demonstrations with helicopters and heavy vehicles. The event, which included simulated car accidents and youth fire brigade activities, aimed to showcase the corps' capabilities following their recognition as ‘Veendammer van het Jaar 2025’. The department is also using the event to recruit new volunteers for its 34-person team.

In Turnhout, BE, the fire department, now part of Hulpverleningszone Taxandria, is celebrating its 150th anniversary. The festivities include a parade of historical vehicles and demonstrations of modern firefighting techniques. The department's history dates back to its official establishment by the municipal council in December 1876.