The security perimeter has been lifted, in agreement with the police. A small team remains on site on standby to avoid any resumption of fire, firefighters in the West Flemish Brabant area reported on Friday.
The major fire broke out on Thursday afternoon around 4:00 p.m. at the Gosselin Logistics company and spread quickly. Surrounding warehouses and business buildings were evacuated as a precaution and a large security perimeter was established. Smoke from the fire spread over several communities. The authorities of Machelen and Steenokkerzeel had advised residents to keep their doors and windows closed.
Firefighters had to do a lot to fight the fire and prevent it from affecting adjacent buildings. Only the hangar where the fire started was almost completely destroyed by the flames. In the early evening, the roof of the 4,000 square meter building collapsed.
The firefighters’ efforts lasted most of the night. The collapsed roof was cleared with the help of civil protection and a specialized company in order to allow the last outbreaks to be extinguished.
The fire was completely extinguished around 6:00 a.m. and the security perimeter was able to be lifted. The cause of the fire has not yet been established.
