The fire, which broke out around 10 a.m. in a terraced house, spread to adjacent properties. One home was completely destroyed, while two others sustained significant damage and are currently uninhabitable. A fourth house suffered less severe damage.
A structural engineer inspected the affected homes, confirming no danger to surrounding properties or public areas. City services are ensuring the three most affected houses are securely cordoned off.
Three individuals were taken to the hospital or examined, including one woman treated for minor smoke inhalation; all have since been released. Firefighters conducted air quality measurements in the vicinity, including near the GO! campus and Zonnig Huis care center, with reassuring results.
Meiboom street and part of Auguste Demaeghtlaan were temporarily closed to traffic but have since reopened. Only the sidewalk in front of the uninhabitable houses remains closed. Affected residents were initially sheltered at Den AST and Zonnig Huis care center and now all have accommodation for the night.
The city will continue to support the affected residents in the coming days. The public prosecutor's office is investigating the cause of the fire.
