Twenty-five years ago, on December 15, 1999, at 5:07 AM, the Emergency Center of the Budapest Fire Brigade ordered the dispatch of four fire engines, an aerial rescue vehicle, and the Firefighting Unit, following reports of a fire at the Budapest Sports Arena.
The 27 firefighters had barely set out when the intense fire necessitated the mobilization of an additional six vehicles and 23 more firefighters. By 5:30 AM, the firefighting efforts had escalated to the highest alert level, involving 100 firefighters. The spread of the fire was halted shortly after 8:00 AM, but due to localized fires and hot structures, extensive follow-up work was required.
In our short film commemorating the 25th anniversary, the firefighters themselves recount their memories.
Cover photo: Arold Péter, MR3.hu
