In Brussels, the fire brigade has reported a troubling increase in the number of residential fires, a trend that is raising concerns about building safety and financial challenges faced by residents. The data reveals that, on average, two homes catch fire every day in the region.
This surge in incidents has led to a record-setting year, with almost 500 house fires already recorded in 2024. The number is expected to surpass the previous highs of 743 fires in 2023 and 777 in 2022, according to Bruzz.
The Brussels Fire Brigade, renowned for its efficiency and rapid response, has been arriving at fire scenes three minutes faster than the national average. Despite this swift action, the severity of the situation is underscored by the two fatal fires reported this year.
One tragic incident in April was allegedly caused by arson, while another fatal blaze occurred on August 22. Numerous other fires have left homes uninhabitable and resulted in injuries.
Rising Numbers and Regional Disparities
The Brussels Institute for Statistics and Analysis (BISA) has highlighted a significant increase in the total number of fire interventions, rising from 2,204 in 2012 to 3,813 in 2022.
The City of Brussels and Saint-Gilles are among the areas with the highest proportion of fires per inhabitant.
In the City of Brussels, 183 fires were recorded in 2023, with 117 incidents already this year. Saint-Gilles saw 39 fires last year, with 24 occurring in 2024 so far. Other neighborhoods such as Schaerbeek, Anderlecht, and Molenbeek also report high numbers of incidents.
Underlying Causes
Several factors are contributing to the rising number of fires in Brussels. One major issue is the age of the city’s buildings.
According to Peter Roseleth, director of the Department of Prevention, many homes in Brussels were constructed between 1945 and 1970, prior to the introduction of modern fire safety legislation. These older structures often lack the necessary fire safety features and materials.
Financial constraints also play a significant role. Many homeowners and tenants in Brussels cannot afford necessary fire safety improvements.
Smoke detectors, which are currently only mandatory for rental properties, are often not installed or maintained due to financial limitations. However, starting January 1, 2025, smoke detectors will be required in all homes across the region.
The recent energy crisis has exacerbated the problem. With rising energy costs pushing more households into financial difficulty, some residents have resorted to unsafe practices, such as lighting barbecues indoors to keep warm.
This practice not only increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning but also poses a significant fire hazard. Additionally, the use of synthetic materials in modern furniture and the widespread use of untreated wood in construction have made homes more susceptible to rapid fires.
Nationwide Trends
The issue of rising fires is not isolated to Brussels. Across Belgium, 2024 has been marked by a concerning increase in fire incidents. Tim Renders, a fire expert, reported a total of 44 deaths from house fires nationwide from January to July this year.
This figure indicates that someone has died from a fire every five days in Belgium. In Flanders alone, the number of fire-related deaths this year has already exceeded the total for the whole of 2023, with 24 fatalities recorded in just over half a year.
The Role of Smoke Detectors
Smoke detectors remain a crucial tool in preventing major fires. However, many residents are unaware that these devices must be EU-approved.
Additionally, when the battery in a smoke detector runs out, it is advisable to replace the entire unit, as the detection system may have aged and become less effective.
The Brussels fire brigade emphasizes the importance of structural changes to improve fire safety. Recommendations include the mandatory replacement of non-fire-resistant doors and the addition of evacuation routes in buildings.
Public awareness is also a key focus, with the fire brigade conducting educational programs in schools and using social media platforms to share images of fire interventions and burnt-out homes, often accompanied by safety warnings.
Future Outlook
As Brussels faces an unprecedented rise in house fires, addressing the underlying issues will be crucial in curbing the trend.
The fire brigade’s call for enhanced safety measures and increased public awareness highlights the urgent need for both structural improvements and community engagement to prevent further tragedies.
With the anticipated rise in fire incidents for the remainder of the year, it is imperative that both residents and authorities take proactive steps to enhance fire safety and ensure that homes are adequately protected against the growing risk of fire.
