A fire that broke out at the construction site of the future KANAL Museum in Brussels has been brought under control, according to local fire officials. Emergency crews continued working at the scene on Monday evening to fully extinguish the remaining flames.
The incident occurred at the museum construction site near Sainctelette Square in the Belgian capital. Firefighters responded quickly after receiving reports of smoke and flames coming from the building.
Walter Derieuw, spokesperson for the Brussels Fire Brigade, said the fire started in a technical room located beneath the roof of the structure. Firefighters launched operations from both inside and outside the building to prevent the blaze from spreading to other parts of the site.
Emergency services said the situation was under control by Monday evening, although firefighters remained at the location to extinguish remaining hotspots and ensure the fire could not restart.
Officials confirmed that no construction workers or other personnel were inside the building when the fire began. As a result, no injuries or casualties were reported.
Authorities have not yet determined what caused the fire. Investigators are expected to examine the scene after firefighters complete their work and declare the building safe to enter.
The future KANAL Museum is one of Brussels’ largest cultural development projects. The museum is being created inside a former industrial building that is undergoing a major transformation into a modern exhibition and cultural center.
Construction work has been ongoing as part of a large redevelopment plan designed to create new spaces for contemporary art, architecture, and cultural events. The project is expected to become one of Belgium’s leading cultural attractions once completed.
Officials have not yet said whether the fire caused significant damage to the construction project or whether it will affect the planned opening schedule. A full assessment is expected after engineers and investigators inspect the affected area.
Firefighters remained at the site for several hours to monitor conditions and make sure the blaze was completely extinguished. Emergency crews also worked to protect unaffected sections of the building from possible damage.
The incident prompted a response from multiple firefighting units, who used specialized equipment to reach the roof area where the fire was located. Their efforts helped contain the flames before they spread further through the structure.
Local authorities are expected to release additional information once the investigation into the cause of the fire begins. Officials have urged the public to avoid speculation until the inspection is complete.
Construction site fires can occur for various reasons, including electrical faults, equipment failures, or accidental ignition of building materials. Investigators will examine all possible causes before issuing their findings.
The Brussels Fire Brigade praised the rapid response of emergency teams, noting that the absence of workers inside the building helped prevent injuries. Safety measures around the site will continue while inspections and cleanup operations are carried out.
The KANAL Museum project remains an important part of Brussels’ cultural development plans. While the fire caused concern, authorities say the immediate priority is ensuring the building is safe and determining exactly how the incident started. Further updates are expected as investigators complete their assessment and officials evaluate any impact on the construction schedule.
