Chalet fire at Maredsous Christmas market leaves three people burned and the market evacuated

What happened

A fire broke out in a chalet at the Christmas market in Maredsous, in the municipality of Anhée in Namur province, on the morning of Sunday, 15 November 2026. The market had opened to visitors two days earlier, on Friday, 13 November. Le Soir, L'Avenir, RTL and HLN reported the blaze, and several witnesses posted about it on social media. Reports say the fire followed an explosion, but the cause has not been confirmed.

Injuries and response

The fire brigade of the Dinaphi zone sent a large number of crews, along with several ambulances, police and a helicopter. Fire service spokesperson Patrice Liétart told RTL that several people were hurt and that three of them were in critical condition.

“Three people are in absolute emergency. They have been burned.”

The mayor of Anhée, Pierre Rondiat, arrived shortly after 12:00 and was going to set up a crisis cell. The emergency plan was triggered, and the market was cleared of visitors. Prosecutors were also present at the site, according to VRT NWS.

Cause still unclear

VRT NWS reported that the fire service thought the incident might be an accident, possibly a gas explosion. The origin of the blaze remained unknown in the first reports, and Le Soir said the cause had not yet been confirmed. Reports from the site did not establish what triggered the blast or whether anyone else was affected.

What is not yet known

The number of injured people was described as several, with three in the most serious category, and no later update on their condition appeared in the reports. Officials have not said when the market will reopen. Investigators have not yet published a finding on the cause.