A fire broke out early Saturday morning in a fermette located in Pecq, Hainaut, near Tournai. The incident, caused by a lightning strike, severely damaged the farmhouse but fortunately resulted in no injuries. Local emergency services responded promptly to the call at around 1:46 a.m.
- Blikseminslag veroorzaakt brand in fermette Pecq
- Brand breekt uit rond 1.46 uur
- Bewoners horen knal en ruiken rook
- Brandweer evacueert twee paarden veilig
- Dak en centrale deel verwoest door vlammen
- Huis onbewoonbaar, bewoners tijdelijk ondergebracht
The blaze started in the central part of the old U-shaped farmhouse on Chaussée d’Audenarde in the Hérinnes district. The couple living there, both in their thirties, noticed a loud bang and smoke while watching television before realizing lightning had struck the roof. The fire quickly spread, destroying the roof and central section of the building.
The fire was finally extinguished by 4:30 a.m. on 2025-06-14 11:42:00, leaving the house uninhabitable. This tragic event raises important questions about lightning safety and emergency preparedness in rural Belgian homes, especially those with valuable livestock nearby.
How can rural homeowners better protect their properties from natural hazards like lightning? This incident highlights the vulnerability of older buildings and the importance of safety measures. Key points include:
- Lightning can cause severe structural damage beyond just fire, affecting electrical systems.
- Prompt evacuation and animal rescue efforts are crucial to minimize harm.
- Older farmhouses may require updated lightning protection and fire prevention systems.
- Community awareness and preparedness can reduce risks in similar rural settings.
As rebuilding efforts begin, residents and authorities should consider investing in improved safety infrastructure. Could this be a turning point for better disaster preparedness in Belgian rural communities?
