Residents evacuated from Schaarbeek apartment fire; tram traffic disrupted

Firefighters in Schaarbeek, Belgium, responded to a blaze in an apartment building late Tuesday evening, successfully evacuating residents and bringing the fire under control. The fire originated from an electric scooter on the first floor of the three-story building.

“

During investigation, our firefighters determined that the fire started with an electric scooter.

Upon arrival, firefighters found residents from the affected apartment had already exited. Those on the second and third floors were on their balconies. "Our firefighters determined that the fire started with an electric scooter," said fire department spokesperson Walter Derieuw. He added that the fire was quickly extinguished with a high-pressure jet.

“

The overhead tram lines complicated the deployment of the aerial ladders, despite the power being switched off.

The overhead tram lines complicated the use of aerial ladders, even after the power was cut. However, a resident from the second floor was safely evacuated using a ladder. Residents on the third floor, whose apartment was not directly threatened but faced smoke in the stairwell, remained on their balconies under the guidance of a firefighter until the building was ventilated and they could be evacuated with a rescue mask.

“

The residents of the third floor did not wish to use the cage ladder. Since their apartment was not directly threatened by the fire, but there was smoke in the stairwell, they remained safe on their balcony under the guidance of a firefighter who reassured them.

All residents were examined by paramedics at the scene but did not require hospitalization. The apartment where the fire started is now uninhabitable, while others could return after safety checks. The fire department highlighted the importance of smoke detectors, noting their absence in the affected apartment despite being legally required. They also reiterated safety tips for electric scooters, including using original chargers, avoiding overnight charging, and never storing them in stairwells or near exits.

“

This fire once again shows how important smoke detectors are. A properly functioning smoke detector warns residents at a very early stage of a fire and can provide precious minutes to bring themselves and other residents to safety.