A significant fire broke out on Saturday in the Ben-Ahin commercial zone in Huy, Liège province, causing extensive damage and resulting in the destruction of four commercial premises, the deaths of animals, and injury to a firefighter.
The fire reportedly began around 1:00. Its severity necessitated assistance from neighbouring emergency zones to manage the flames overnight, with about 20 firefighters deployed, according to Captain Olivier Jadot, who was on the scene Saturday morning. “One of our colleagues from the Andenne post has suffered a fractured rib from a fall and was taken to hospital,” he added.
The fire devastated four businesses, including a restaurant and a pet shop, with some animals, likely hamsters, perishing in the blaze.
A police investigation is underway to ascertain the exact cause of the fire, though arson is currently suspected. A petrol can was found on the roof of one of the affected premises, confirmed Huy’s mayor, Christophe Collignon, in line with a report from L’Avenir. Experts are expected to assess whether the damaged structures are at risk of collapse.
By 11:00, the fire was under control, although hotspots remained under a collapsed roof and framework within the commercial buildings.
