A large fire broke out at a farm building in Zonhoven, causing visible flames and thick smoke on the afternoon of 2025-08-05 14:26:00. The fire quickly grew, with flames reaching several meters above the roof, prompting emergency services to establish a wide safety perimeter around the site.
- Stel grote perimeter in rond bedrijf
- Blus rookpluim en hoge vlammen
- Laat koeien los in omliggende weides
- Bestreed vuur met meerdere brandweerkorpsen
- Blus enkele uren na controle situatie
- Onderzoek oorzaak brand nog onduidelijk
Local residents noticed the smoke plume from afar, with many alerting authorities, fearing a recurrence of the Teut fire. Gretel Kerkhofs, a spokesperson, urged nearby inhabitants to keep windows and doors closed due to the unpleasant smoke. Meanwhile, cows from a nearby stable were released into surrounding meadows to ensure their safety.
With multiple fire brigades responding promptly, the blaze was under control by 13:30, though firefighting efforts continued for several hours. The barn, measuring 20 by 10 meters and constructed with metal plates, did not contain asbestos. However, the cause of the fire remains unclear, leaving questions about farm safety and prevention measures in the region.
What can we learn from this incident about fire safety in Belgian rural areas? Could better early-warning systems or infrastructure upgrades prevent similar events? The response highlights key points:
- Rapid coordination among multiple fire brigades ensured quick containment.
- Proactive animal safety measures minimized harm to livestock.
- Clear communication helped residents take precautions against smoke exposure.
- Uncertainty about the fire’s cause calls for further investigation and prevention strategies.
As investigations continue, local authorities and farmers should review safety protocols and invest in preventive measures to reduce fire risks. Will this incident lead to stronger fire safety standards across Flemish farms?
