A butcher’s shop was destroyed by fire in the Brussels municipality of Evere during the night between Sunday and Monday.
The fire was discovered at 02:40 on Rue Henri Conscience. Despite the shop being destroyed, no injuries were reported, according to a spokesperson for the fire brigade.
A passer-by noticed the flames and promptly alerted emergency services. When firefighters arrived, they found heavy smoke in the stairwell.
Residents on the first and second floors above the shop were evacuated using a ladder.
The evacuees were unharmed and safely placed away from danger.
Firefighters had to force entry into the butcher’s shop to tackle the blaze. The fire was raging in the back kitchen, which also serves as a workshop.
The cause of the fire has yet to be determined, stated the fire brigade spokesperson. Although the apartments above remain habitable, the shop is no longer usable.
