Three staff members were overcome by smoke when fire broke out at a brasserie on the Jourdanplein in Etterbeek (Brussels) on Wednesday evening. The fire brigade, emergency medical services and the police were called to the restaurant at around 8.25 pm. The three staff members were treated at the scene and did not need to be taken to hospital.
3 staff overcome by smoke at complicated fire at Jourdanplein brasserie in Etterbeek
Colin Clapson
Published:
When they arrived the first fire crews were told of the possibility of a roof fire. However, an on-site assessment soon showed this was not the case. “On arrival, the fire brigade realised it was a kitchen fire combined with a chimney fire,” explains fire service spokesperson Walter Derieuw.
The emergency services were also told that three staff members might still be in the basement. “A search and rescue operation was immediately launched, whilst at the same time firefighters started to tackle the blaze. As a precaution, more medics with the necessary equipment were called in,” says Derieuw. A search confirmed that there were no longer any people left in the building.
The fire in the kitchen was quickly brought under control. The chimney fire proved more of a challenge. “The chimney, which was connected to the extraction system above the cooking equipment, was also quickly extinguished. However, the mop-up operation to secure the site proved to be particularly labour-intensive. A significant section of the chimney had to be dismantled to rule out any hidden fires,” Derieuw explained.
Residents swiftly allowed to return
The residents of the flats above the brasserie were able to return to their homes following safety checks. Utility provider Sibelga cut off the restaurant’s electricity supply. The kitchen and part of the premises can currently not be used.
The Brussels fire service deployed a command vehicle, three fire engines, two ladder trucks and two medical emergency teams, along with several ambulances in this operation.