Residents who were evacuated last night following a major fire at the warehouse on Ten Houtedreef in Kortrijk, which led to the temporary evacuation of 12 homes, are permitted to return home this afternoon. This was decided by the emergency services after a new on-site evaluation. The fire department will continue to monitor the situation and focus on suppressing the remaining smoke. The site of the burnt-out warehouse remains cordoned off and access is prohibited.
The West Flanders public prosecutor's office has appointed a fire investigator to examine the circumstances of the fire. The investigator was on site yesterday and will return today for further investigation. Indications were found that a synthetic drug lab may have been operated in the warehouse. A criminal investigation has been launched to identify and apprehend any potential individuals involved. Additionally, an environmental investigation will be initiated to determine any contamination in the immediate vicinity. Witnesses who may have seen suspicious activities, individuals, or vehicles near the warehouse are urged to report this to the VLAS Police Zone as soon as possible.
Specialized measurement teams are continuing to monitor the situation today. Their readings indicate that the present smoke poses no danger to public health. However, the emergency services still advise avoiding exposure to smoke as much as possible. Anyone noticing smoke should close windows and doors and stay out of the smoke zone. The psychosocial support team will assist evacuated residents upon their return, working alongside the fire department which is conducting additional checks on and around the affected residents' homes. The emergency services will also assess which parts of the gardens are safely accessible.
Emergency services will remain present on and around the site in the coming days to suppress residual smoke and monitor the situation. Local residents are asked to continue respecting safety measures and not to enter the site under any circumstances. Neighbours will receive a resident's letter with additional information next week. Those with questions can contact the free number 1777 from Monday during office hours.
The fire broke out this afternoon in an old warehouse on Ten Houtedreef in Kortrijk. Emergency services responded en masse, establishing a safety perimeter and diverting traffic in the area. The fire is now fully under control, but the fire department will remain on site throughout the night to monitor the situation. The involved emergency services and the mayor will re-evaluate the situation tomorrow at 10 AM. Two firefighters sustained minor injuries during the initial firefighting efforts. No other injuries were reported. Although the fire is under control, the risk of flare-ups remains, which is why the fire department is staying on post all night. Simultaneously, smoke measurements are being taken to monitor safety in the area.
This evening, emergency services notified residents of 12 homes that they would not be able to stay at home tonight. This affects houses in the immediate vicinity of the warehouse (Ten Houte, Ten Houtedreef, and 't Hoge). The measure is due to persistent smoke and odor nuisance and the risk of new flare-ups. Residents who cannot stay with family or friends will be offered accommodation by the city. A BE-Alert was also sent out in the wider area towards Bellegem, advising residents to keep windows and doors closed and to switch off ventilation or air conditioning systems.
