The incident, which occurred on the second floor, generated a significant amount of smoke in the apartment. Fortunately, all the occupants were already safe and sound when emergency services arrived. To prevent the spread of smoke in common areas and other dwellings, firefighters installed a “smoke-stopper” – a device designed to contain smoke in affected areas and minimize the risks for neighboring residents.
During the intervention, the occupants’ cat was also rescued. The animal, inconvenienced by the smoke, was taken into a fire ambulance, where it received oxygen for around fifteen minutes before being returned to its owners.
The cause of the fire was accidental, but the damage was significant: the affected apartment is now uninhabitable. However, the victims have found a temporary alternative housing solution for the days to come. Sibelga’s services were mobilized to cut off the connections to the affected apartment, thus guaranteeing the safety of the premises.
After ventilation operations and monitoring of carbon monoxide levels, the other residents of the building were able to return to their apartments. The intervention, however, disrupted Stib tram traffic. As a security measure, the police in the Brussels-West zone set up a perimeter around the building.
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