A fire broke out on Thursday morning at a waste processing company located on Boulevard Industriel in Anderlecht, according to Walter Derieuw, spokesperson for the Brussels Fire Brigade. Train traffic in and around Brussels was heavily disrupted.
The blaze started in a pile of waste covering an area of approximately 50 square metres. A thick column of black smoke quickly rose into the sky, visible from afar. Firefighters promptly arrived at the scene with a fire engine, a ladder, and a tanker. As of 12:00 noon, the fire has been completely extinguished, and the fire brigade is clearing away its equipment.
As the fire was close to the railway line, train services on the "fast" 50A line between Brussels Midi train station and Denderleeuw were temporarily suspended for safety reasons, as was train traffic on the main line between Ghent and Brussels – forcing trains to be diverted via a slower, older line.
"This is causing delays throughout the North-Midi connection and affecting train traffic throughout the country," said SNCB/NMBS spokesperson Bart Crols.
Drone image of the fire at Anderlecht waste sorting centre on Thursday 7 August 2025. Credit: Brussels Fire Brigade
To completely extinguish the fire, a company crane dismantled the waste pile, allowing the firefighters to spray all parts thoroughly.
Residents in the surrounding area are advised to keep doors and windows closed to prevent any "unpleasant odours" from the smoke.
Fire at Anderlecht waste sorting centre on Thursday 7 August 2025. Credit: Brussels Fire Brigade
