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🇧🇪 Belgium /Conflict & Security

DOVO Opens Barracks Gates for Public, Cites Record Year for Bomb Disposal Calls

From VRT NWS · () Dutch

Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • DOVO, Belgium's explosive ordnance disposal service, held an open day at its Oud-Heverlee barracks for the first time in three years.
  • The service reported its busiest year on record with over 3,500 calls for unexploded ordnance and suspicious packages.
  • The open day aimed to give the public insight into DOVO's work and recruit new personnel.

The Service for the Disposal and Destruction of Explosive Ordnance (DOVO) recently opened its doors to the public at its Meerdaal barracks in Oud-Heverlee, marking the first such event in three years. This initiative provided a rare glimpse behind the scenes for citizens, showcasing the critical work undertaken by the Belgian military's bomb disposal unit. The event also served as a recruitment drive, highlighting the need for new personnel to manage the increasing workload.

It goes about calls for found war ammunition or suspicious packages.

— Sanne Van HeesMajor Sanne Van Hees explaining the types of incidents DOVO responds to.

DOVO has experienced its most demanding year since its inception, responding to over 3,500 calls. These range from the discovery of old war ammunition to the identification of suspicious packages. Major Sanne Van Hees explained the rigorous process: if ordnance can be safely transported, it is destroyed under controlled conditions at DOVO facilities; otherwise, it is neutralized near its discovery site. This highlights the constant danger and meticulous planning involved in their operations.

If the ammunition can be safely transported, we will destroy it in a controlled manner in one of our barracks. If not, it will be done in the immediate vicinity of the discovery site.

— Sanne Van HeesMajor Sanne Van Hees detailing the protocol for handling explosive ordnance.

The open day featured various displays, including information on conventional and improvised explosive devices, as well as toxic WWI munitions. A simulated explosion demonstration offered visitors a visceral understanding of the destructive power DOVO works to neutralize. For a service established after World War I to clear unexploded ordnance, the continued high number of calls underscores the persistent legacy of past conflicts and the ongoing need for their expertise. The public's engagement, including direct interaction with personnel and educational exhibits, is crucial for fostering understanding and encouraging new recruits to join this vital, albeit dangerous, profession.

This way, we give people an insight into what we do on a daily basis.

— Sanne Van HeesMajor Sanne Van Hees explaining the purpose of the open day.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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