A large fire broke out in Izegem on the evening of 2025-07-16 08:25:00, sending a thick plume of black smoke visible far beyond the town. The blaze involved two warehouses, one of which partially collapsed, prompting a swift response from multiple fire brigades across the region.
- Fire caused large black smoke plume visible
- Firefighters prevented fire spreading to houses
- Authorities advised residents to close windows
- Asbestos particles found, prompting evacuations nearby
- Evacuated residents sheltered in local sports hall
- Fire experts investigating smoke impact and cause
Residents of nearby Emelgem were urged to keep their windows and doors closed due to the hazardous smoke, which posed respiratory risks. Local authorities evacuated several people, especially those in nearby service flats, moving them to a sports hall for safety.
With the fire now under control but still requiring overnight efforts to extinguish remaining hotspots, questions arise about the potential health impact and the effectiveness of emergency responses in such industrial incidents.
How prepared are local emergency services for industrial fires? This incident highlights several critical points:
- Rapid multi-departmental fire response helped prevent the fire from spreading to residential homes.
- Evacuations were necessary due to the detection of asbestos particles, underscoring environmental health risks.
- Communication via Be-Alert effectively informed residents to take protective measures.
- Ongoing investigations will clarify the fire’s cause and long-term impact on local air quality.
As cleanup continues, residents are encouraged to stay updated through official channels and follow safety advice. Will lessons from this fire improve future responses and prevention strategies in Izegem and beyond?
