A significant fire broke out early Sunday morning at the MIWA waste management site on Vlyminckshoek in Sint-Niklaas, with no indications of arson, according to the East Flanders public prosecutor’s office.
The blaze started shortly after 4:00 and completely destroyed MIWA’s office building, which was undergoing renovation works. Fortunately, the flames did not spread to nearby warehouses, and no asbestos was present in the affected structures.
As a precaution, authorities issued a BE-Alert notification advising residents to keep windows and doors closed and to switch off ventilation systems. By 8:00, officials confirmed there was no longer any danger to the surrounding area. However, the park will remain closed for the entire week.
A fire expert was appointed by the public prosecutor’s office, and the investigation so far has found no evidence of foul play. The fire originated in an old building used to store paper and batteries, with preliminary findings suggesting a possible overheated cable as the cause.
To rule out any uncertainties, CCTV footage from the site will be reviewed as part of the ongoing investigation.
