The bonfires on the beaches in Scheveningen and Duindorp are currently expected to be lit early on December 31st at 9:30 PM. This decision was made jointly by the municipality and the bonfire builders, in consultation with the police, fire department, and Public Prosecution Service. The expected wind speed makes it irresponsible to light the bonfires at midnight on New Year’s Eve. In Laak, however, the current weather forecast indicates that this is possible.
The situation is being continuously monitored. Based on the KNMI’s latest forecasts, the decision may still be adjusted tomorrow. The organizers of the various bonfires have been informed of this.
Mayor Jan van Zanen: “For everyone’s safety, we need to move the bonfires in Duindorp and Scheveningen forward a bit . This way, we can probably still make this Hague tradition happen and reward the hard work of the builders.”
In close consultation with the KNMI (Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute), the weather forecast is continuously monitored and shared with the organizers. The KNMI has been providing the first forecasts since December 27th. A maximum wind speed of 8.3 m/s (wind force 5) is required for the bonfires to proceed safely.
The organizers of the various bonfires were aware of the applicable regulations and the real possibility that the bonfires might have to be rescheduled at the last minute or might not even go ahead. The municipality maintains contact with the bonfire organizers year-round. Consultations are held daily in the lead-up to New Year’s Eve.
More information: https://denhaag.com/en/calendar/scheveningen-bonfire
Text: Gemeente Den Haag
Translation & Image: The Hague Online