Asbestos particles have been released following a fire in a warehouse in Izegem, West Flanders, according to the city authorities.
The Midwest fire brigade received a call just before 21:00 on Tuesday about a fire in Kapelstraat, in the Emelgem district of Izegem. Upon arrival, they found a blazing fire at a furniture-maker’s warehouse. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
The fire brigade brought the fire under control later in the evening, although considerable smoke remained. Residents in the vicinity have been advised to keep windows and doors shut and to turn off ventilation systems.
As a precaution, residents in the immediate area have been evacuated. Asbestos particles were detected nearby, preventing the evacuees from returning home. The city of Izegem stated that evacuees will be notified personally when it is safe to return under fire brigade supervision.
