The 1722 number, dedicated to non-emergency firefighter interventions, was activated on Saturday morning in response to weekend storm and flood risks, according to the Home Affairs Ministry.
After temperatures of up to 30°C on Friday, the Royal Meteorological Institute (RMI) issued a code yellow storm warning from 14:00 on Saturday until 07:00 on Sunday across the country.
This alert comes as heavy rain, local thunderstorms and possible hail are moving across the nation from France. Heat storms are also expected on Saturday afternoon.
To prevent emergency lines from being overwhelmed, the Home Affairs Ministry has activated the special 1722 hotline. This number should be dialled in the event of storm or flood damage requiring firefighter assistance. If a life is in danger, 112 should be called.
The Ministry also recommends using the e-portal 1722.be, which is the "most direct way to request firefighter assistance in situations where no life is in danger."
