A large warehouse fire in Schaerbeek prompted emergency evacuations and a major firefighting response on Thursday night, with authorities confirming that the blaze has been brought under control while cleanup operations continue.
The Schaerbeek Warehouse Fire broke out in a three-storey building located between Rue Verte and Rue de Brabant. Emergency services received reports of the fire at approximately 9:20 p.m., prompting firefighters and other responders to rush to the scene.
According to officials, the warehouse contained large quantities of mattresses and fabrics. These materials created a heavy fire load, allowing the flames to spread rapidly within the building and making firefighting efforts more challenging.
Fire crews worked throughout the night to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby properties. Despite the intensity of the fire, authorities confirmed that neighboring homes were not damaged.
As a precaution, residents living near the warehouse were evacuated while firefighters battled the flames. Emergency officials said the measure was taken to ensure public safety and to allow crews to operate effectively around the affected area.
Local authorities quickly implemented emergency measures to support displaced residents. Schaerbeek acting mayor Martin de Brabant activated a municipal emergency plan to provide temporary shelter for people who could not safely return to their homes overnight.
The response involved coordination between municipal authorities, emergency services, and local support teams to assist residents affected by the incident.
By around 2:00 a.m. on Friday, the Brussels Fire Brigade announced that the fire had been brought under control. Firefighters succeeded in preventing further spread and stabilizing the situation after several hours of intensive work.
Although the immediate danger has passed, firefighting operations remain ongoing. Crews are continuing clearance activities and cooling remaining hot spots within the structure to prevent any risk of reignition.
Officials said these operations are expected to take many hours due to the size of the building and the amount of combustible material stored inside.
At this stage, no injuries have been reported. Emergency responders confirmed that there were no known casualties among residents, firefighters, or other individuals connected to the incident.
Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the fire. Investigators are expected to examine the site once it is safe to enter and assess the circumstances that led to the outbreak.
Large warehouse fires often require extended response efforts because materials stored inside can retain heat long after visible flames have been extinguished. Firefighters must carefully inspect affected areas and continue cooling operations to reduce the possibility of new flare-ups.
Residents in the surrounding neighborhood experienced disruptions throughout the night as emergency vehicles remained in the area and access to some streets was restricted. Officials have advised people to follow instructions from local authorities while operations continue.
The incident has drawn attention to the challenges posed by fires involving warehouses and storage facilities. Buildings containing large quantities of fabrics, mattresses, and similar materials can generate intense heat and dense smoke, requiring specialized firefighting tactics.
Municipal officials praised the rapid response of emergency teams, noting that their efforts helped protect nearby homes and prevent a more serious outcome.
As investigations continue, authorities are expected to provide further information regarding the origin of the blaze and the extent of the damage to the warehouse.
The Schaerbeek Warehouse Fire remains under close monitoring as firefighters complete final safety checks and clearance work. Residents who were evacuated are awaiting updates from local authorities regarding when it will be safe to return home.
Officials have urged the public to avoid the immediate area while emergency operations remain active. Further assessments of the site are expected once firefighters finish cooling activities and investigators begin their examination of the building.
The successful containment of the fire prevented damage from spreading beyond the warehouse, but authorities say a full evaluation of the incident will take place in the coming days.
