Kitchen fire and chimney blaze force evacuation of Etterbeek brasserie, three staff treated for smoke inhalation
A kitchen and chimney fire at a brasserie on the Jourdanplein in Etterbeek (Brussels) on Wednesday evening forced a temporary evacuation of residents above, while three staff members were treated for smoke inhalation at the scene.
Fire breaks out at Jourdanplein
At around 20:25 on Wednesday, the Brussels fire service, medical emergency teams and police from the Montgomery zone were called to a brasserie on the Jourdanplein in Etterbeek, following reports of a large smoke column visible in the neighbourhood. First crews were informed of a possible roof fire, but an on-site assessment quickly established it was a kitchen fire combined with a chimney fire.
On arrival, the fire brigade realised it was a kitchen fire combined with a chimney fire.
Search for trapped staff
The emergency services also received information that three staff members might still be in the basement. A search-and-rescue operation was launched immediately, while firefighters began tackling the blaze. As a precaution, additional medical resources were called in. The search confirmed that no one was still inside the building.
Immediately a search and rescue operation was launched, while at the same time the extinguishing works were started. As a precaution, additional medical resources were called.
The firefight and dismantling
The fire in the kitchen was quickly brought under control. The chimney, which was connected to the extraction system above the cooking equipment, was also rapidly extinguished. However, the mop-up operation to secure the site proved particularly labour-intensive. Firefighters had to dismantle a significant portion of the chimney to rule out any hidden fires that could rekindle.
Utility company Sibelga cut off the restaurant's electricity supply, rendering the kitchen and part of the premises temporarily unusable.
Casualties and residents
Three staff members were examined and treated on the spot by medical teams for smoke inhalation. None required hospitalisation. After safety checks, residents of the flats above the brasserie were allowed back to their homes.
The Brussels fire service deployed a command vehicle, three fire engines, two ladder trucks, two medical emergency teams and several ambulances in this operation.
When information indicates people may be trapped in a burning building, the emergency services immediately apply the precautionary principle and mobilise the necessary resources. We are pleased that the search quickly confirmed no one was still inside and that the consequences of this fire remained limited.
