City fire I

On March 14, 1517, Enschede was almost entirely reduced to ashes by a big city fire. Almost all buildings in the city contained wooden construction and went up in flames. Only the two city gates and the church were made of stone and remained standing. The bells of the city tower were also destroyed; the new ones were cast on a moor in Lonneker. Later, it would become Enschede's first cemetery.

After the fire, the city was rebuilt with wood construction.

May 20, 1750

City fire II

On May 20, 1750, Enschede was hit by another fire. The devastation was less than during the fire of 1517; about half of the town (72 houses) was lost. The fire broke out in a house near the Eschpoort. As mentioned, the town consisted mainly of wooden half-timbered houses, allowing the fire to spread quickly.

May 7, 1862

City fire III

On May 7, 1862, a fire broke out on Kalanderstraat in the early afternoon. Decorations and arches of honor were still hanging in the city from King William III's visit a few days earlier. The wind was blowing hard, and the fire quickly spread throughout the city and its arterial roads. There were no fatalities, but 633 homes, 25 stables, 44 warehouses, all public buildings, and eight factories were destroyed. Of the 4,500 residents, 3,675 were left homeless. Many people moved in with relatives, acquaintances, and surrounding farmers. On Schuttersveld, people were housed in tents and provided with clothing and food. The municipal government was given shelter in De Maere's villa. The city fire attracted much attention in the national and international media.

May 7, 1912

Fire monument on the Oude Markt

On May 7, 1912, the Fire Monument was unveiled on the Oude Markt, exactly 50 years after the last city fire. The monument was designed by the German artist Ludwig Nick. The cost of the monument was covered entirely by voluntary donations from the residents of Enschede. The Fire Monument can still be admired at the Oude Markt.