Anderlecht – A fire at a waste facility in Anderlecht, Brussels, engulfed an area of 50 square meters in flames, leading to significant disruptions in Ghent-Brussels rail services. Firefighters, supported by a crane, are currently addressing lingering hotspots.
The incident occurred on Thursday, August 7, 2025, as reported by VRT News. A large pile of rubbish ignited, producing smoke visible from considerable distances.
The Brussels fire department rapidly deployed a fire engine, a ladder truck, and a water tanker. While the fire is now under control, firefighters are diligently extinguishing the remaining flames.
Investigation Into the Cause of the Anderlecht Waste Fire
According to fire service spokesperson Walter Derieuw, while the flames no longer threaten to spread, complete extinguishment could take hours. A crane is employed to dismantle the burning waste to effectively reach all hotspots. The exact cause of the fire remains undetermined; authorities will initiate an investigation once the area is secure.
Train services between Ghent and Brussels have faced delays due to the fire’s proximity to the railway line in Anderlecht. Officials have confirmed scheduling changes, although trains traveling from Brussels to Ghent are functioning normally. Railway personnel are monitoring the situation rigorously.
The Brussels fire department has stated that while the fire is under control, heavy smoke continues to pose challenges. Derieuw emphasized that train traffic will remain disrupted because the smoke density near the tracks renders it unsafe for trains to pass. This fire is reminiscent of an incident in Anderlecht in 2024, where a blaze ignited in a carpentry workshop surrounded by residential buildings at 6:50 p.m. It spread rapidly due to the presence of wood and varnish, prompting the deployment of three fire engines and three ladder trucks. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but the workshop suffered extensive damage and is currently inoperative, with electricity cut off.
, reports 24brussels.