On Friday, May 9, 2025, a significant fire erupted on Rue des Ateliers in Morlanwelz shortly before 2:30 PM, prompting an immediate response from local firefighters. The blaze, which initially involved brush, quickly spread to containers filled with Derbigum, a bituminous membrane derived from petroleum, located behind the Goffaux establishment. The fire generated a thick cloud of black smoke that raised alarms among local residents, although officials have since confirmed that the situation is under control.
Jean-Charles Deneufbourg, the mayor of Morlanwelz, reassured the public, stating, "It's what caused this black smoke that worried several residents, but now the situation is under control." The Hainaut-Centre rescue zone deployed both water and foam to combat the flames effectively. As a precautionary measure, residents were advised to stay indoors with their windows and doors closed to avoid inhaling potentially harmful smoke.
Reports from RTL and SudInfo indicated that while the fire involved construction materials at an industrial site, no injuries occurred. The fire was not classified as a building fire, which meant that there was no immediate danger to individuals in the vicinity. However, the smoke was substantial enough to be visible from several kilometers away, leading to concerns about air quality.
Captain Benoît Filippi of the Hainaut-Centre fire department explained, "No special measures were taken, but we advise the population to close doors and windows. There are no dangerous materials, but inhaling the smoke is still harmful to health." As a result, the municipality recommended that individuals experiencing respiratory issues seek medical attention.
Firefighters from La Louvière arrived on the scene shortly before 3:00 PM, bringing with them an autopump, a command vehicle, and a tanker truck. Given the scale of the fire, the Louvière team was doubled, and additional support was called in from neighboring stations. A drone from Soignies and an industrial tanker from Mons were also dispatched to assist in extinguishing the flames.
Despite the rapid response, it took nearly four hours for the firefighters to completely extinguish the fire, with their return to the station not occurring until after 6:00 PM. During this time, police from Mariemont were also mobilized to secure the area and facilitate the firefighters' operations.
As the situation unfolded, many passersby and motorists expressed concern at the sight of the large smoke plume emanating from the area. Fortunately, the effective intervention of the fire department ensured that no individuals were harmed, and the fire was brought under control without further incident.
The local authorities continue to monitor the situation and have reassured residents that while the smoke may be uncomfortable, there is no immediate threat from toxic materials being released into the atmosphere. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and adhere to safety recommendations as a precaution.
In summary, the fire on Rue des Ateliers in Morlanwelz serves as a reminder of the importance of emergency preparedness and community response in the face of unforeseen incidents. Local officials have praised the quick action of the firefighters and the cooperation of the community in ensuring safety during this event.
