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🇧🇪 Belgium /Disasters & Emergencies

Grass fire in Watervliet: Possibly started by fireworks shortly after ban announced

From VRT NWS · () Dutch

Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • A grass fire broke out in Watervliet, Belgium, on Tuesday evening, potentially caused by fireworks.
  • Firefighters suspect fireworks because remnants were found near the scene, hours after a provincial ban on fireworks and open flames was announced.
  • The fire was quickly contained, preventing it from spreading to a nearby hay bale, which could have led to a much larger incident.

A grass fire erupted in Watervliet, Belgium, on Tuesday evening, with authorities suspecting fireworks as the cause. Remnants of fireworks were discovered near the scene, raising concerns as the incident occurred just hours after the governor of East Flanders announced a ban on fireworks and open flames across the province.

Swift intervention prevented a worse outcome.

— Patrick GoossensFire commander Patrick Goossens described the quick response to the grass fire.

Fire commander Patrick Goossens stated that the fire was located in a grass verge bordering a hay bale. A group of young people, returning from watching football, noticed the fire and alerted emergency services. "Swift intervention prevented a worse outcome," Goossens said. "Fireworks remnants found near the fire suggest the cause is not far to seek."

Fireworks remnants found near the fire suggest the cause is not far to seek.

— Patrick GoossensFire commander Patrick Goossens explained the suspected cause of the fire.

Mayor Patrick De Greve expressed anger and frustration, emphasizing the potential danger. "This could have been much worse. One shudders to think if the fire had spread to the hay," he said. The new provincial ban prohibits open-air fires, fireworks, sky lanterns, and certain weed-burning techniques.

This could have been much worse. One shudders to think if the fire had spread to the hay.

— Patrick De GreveMayor Patrick De Greve reacted to the incident, highlighting the potential danger.
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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