A major fire broke out at the Servietto packaging company along Vijverwegel in Merelbeke-Melle just after 1 PM on Wednesday afternoon. The blaze quickly engulfed two warehouses filled with highly flammable materials, sending a thick plume of smoke visible all the way to the centre of Ghent. The incident unfolded on 2025-08-07 02:44:00, drawing significant attention from local authorities and residents alike.
- Fire breaks out at Servietto packaging company
- Two warehouses destroyed; third burns controlled
- Asbestos presence triggers municipal disaster plan
- Lab tests find no asbestos in soot
- Specialized firm collects samples for analysis
- Municipality updates residents via website, Facebook
The fire also affected a neighbouring warehouse belonging to a meat processing company, which was completely destroyed. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Firefighters managed to bring the fire under control by 7:40 PM, although they continued to monitor the site for any flare-ups. The presence of asbestos in the roofing materials prompted the municipality to activate the emergency response plan, raising concerns about potential health risks.
What does this mean for local residents and the environment? Read on for a concise update on the situation and its implications.
How serious was the threat posed by the asbestos, and what steps are being taken to ensure public safety? The municipality acted swiftly by:
- Implementing the municipal disaster plan due to asbestos in the roof
- Advising residents not to touch debris and report it via an online form
- Commissioning a specialised firm to collect and analyse samples from the site and nearby streets
- Sharing timely updates through official channels like the municipal website and Facebook page
Are these measures enough to reassure residents, and what can we expect next?
As investigations continue and cleanup efforts progress, residents of Merelbeke-Melle are encouraged to stay informed through official updates and to follow safety guidelines carefully. Will this incident prompt stricter safety regulations for industrial sites in the region? Only time will tell, but vigilance remains key.
