A fire broke out at the former gelatine factory in the Quartier Bleu area on Sunday evening, prompting a swift response from local emergency services. Around 21:15, firefighters were alerted to smoke rising from the large white building, which has been boarded up to prevent squatters. Despite the closure, the site is known to shelter homeless individuals at times.
- Brandweer bestrijdt brand in leeg gebouw
- Daklozen verblijven soms rond pand
- Politie voert sporenonderzoek naar oorzaak
- Gelatinefabriek wordt nieuwe woonwijk
- Woningproject bevat sociale en starterswoningen
- Oude gebouwen blijven voor gemeenschapsvoorzieningen
The fire brigade immediately began tackling the flames from outside, producing significant smoke as they worked to contain the blaze. By 21:45, the fire was under control, allowing crews to ventilate the building and conduct a thorough search for any occupants. Mayor Steven Vandeput confirmed by 22:30 that no people were found inside, and praised the fire department for preventing the fire from spreading to neighbouring buildings. The site is currently on the verge of a major redevelopment, making the incident especially significant for local residents and investors. What caused the fire remains unclear, with investigations ongoing as of 2025-05-19 09:50:00.
How will this event affect the planned transformation of this historic location? And what measures are in place to protect vulnerable groups during such emergencies? The answers are crucial for the community as the area prepares for change.
This incident raises important questions about urban renewal and safety in historic industrial sites. How can redevelopment projects balance heritage preservation with modern needs? What support is available for homeless individuals during such crises?
- The fire was controlled without spreading, showing effective emergency response.
- The gelatine factory site is set for a mixed residential and community use redevelopment.
- Ongoing investigations will clarify the fire’s cause and help prevent future risks.
- Community safety and social housing remain priorities in the redevelopment plans.
Looking ahead, authorities and developers must ensure that safety protocols and social support systems are strengthened as the Quartier Bleu area evolves. Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to stay informed and engaged with the transformation process.
