Brussels – A fire at Home Baudouin, a men’s shelter in the city centre, led to the evacuation of 60 residents early Tuesday morning, following a blaze that broke out in the building at approximately 4:00 AM. Fortunately, no one was seriously injured, and the fire was swiftly contained.
The fire began on the ground floor of the four-storey building located on Rue de la Violette. By the time emergency services arrived, thick smoke had filled the structure. In response, Brussels police had already started evacuating the shelter’s occupants to ensure their safety.
Firefighters from the Brussels Fire Brigade quickly took control of the situation, extinguishing the flames and conducting thorough checks of the premises.
“The fire was quickly extinguished,” said fire brigade spokesperson Walter Derieuw. “11 individuals were assessed on-site, and three required oxygen due to smoke inhalation. Thankfully, none of the residents needed to be hospitalised.”
The evacuated individuals were initially treated for smoke inhalation, but no serious injuries were reported. After the building was ventilated, and carbon monoxide levels were checked to ensure it was safe, the residents were allowed to return to the shelter.
Authorities have confirmed that the fire was accidental. Investigations are ongoing to determine the precise cause, but there is no indication of foul play.
In a statement, the shelter’s management expressed relief that all residents were safely evacuated and that no lives were lost. “We are deeply thankful for the quick and professional response from both the police and the fire brigade, which allowed for a swift evacuation and ensured everyone was safe,” a representative from Home Baudouin said.
The incident has raised questions about fire safety in shelters and other public buildings, particularly those with vulnerable populations. Local authorities are reviewing fire prevention measures to avoid similar incidents in the future, ensuring that safety protocols are robust enough to protect all residents in emergency situations.
The fire highlights the importance of ensuring that buildings housing vulnerable groups have adequate fire safety infrastructure, including working smoke alarms, fire exits, and trained personnel to manage emergency evacuations.
Brussels authorities have promised to investigate the incident further and to evaluate any potential improvements that can be made to prevent future fires.
While the residents were able to return to the shelter after the building was declared safe, the event serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by fires in multi-story buildings.
Residents and staff of Home Baudouin, as well as local authorities, will continue to cooperate in the aftermath to ensure the shelter’s operations resume smoothly and safely.
The city of Brussels is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents, particularly those in shelters and other at-risk housing, where residents may be less able to respond to emergencies independently.
