Brussels, July 31, 2024 — A fire broke out in a three-storey terraced house on Rue de la Poste in the Brussels municipality of Saint-Josse-ten-Noode on Monday afternoon, injuring 11 people and rendering the house uninhabitable.
The blaze, which erupted around 16:25, required a significant response from the Brussels Fire Brigade and caused damage to an adjacent building.
According to Walter Derieuw, spokesperson for the Brussels Fire Brigade, the fire had already reached the roof by the time firefighters arrived on the scene.
“The residents had left the house through the front door. Ten people suffered smoke inhalation, while one child suffered second-degree burns,” Derieuw told the Belga News Agency. All 11 individuals were taken to the hospital; however, their lives are not in danger.
The intense fire prompted the mobilization of two ladder trucks to control the blaze. Despite the efforts, the firefighters could not prevent the flames from spreading to the roof of an adjacent house. “We partially opened the roof to extinguish the fire completely.
Once the fire was out, we covered the hole with a tarpaulin,” Derieuw explained. The affected house is now considered uninhabitable, and the pavement in front of the dwelling has been closed off due to a risk of falling debris.
Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire, which has left the local community in shock. The police are managing the immediate aftermath, including assisting the displaced residents of the affected house.
The incident underscores the urgent need for effective fire safety measures and highlights the risks of residential fires in densely populated areas.
The fire has also prompted concerns about the structural integrity of nearby buildings and the potential for further incidents. Local officials and emergency services are working together to ensure the safety of the area and support those impacted by the fire.
The Brussels Fire Brigade’s swift response helped contain the blaze, but the damage to the property is substantial. Residents and local authorities are now focused on recovery efforts and addressing the needs of those affected by this unfortunate event.
Further updates will be provided as the investigation into the fire’s cause progresses and more information becomes available.
