A severe fire erupted on Monday afternoon near Brugge's annual De Warmste Week festivities, causing significant alarm among local residents and event-goers. The fire originated above the Luvida restaurant located on Wulfhagestraat, just meters from the Noordzandstraat, around 5 PM.
Upon the fire department's arrival, flames were already shooting out of the restaurant's roof, creating immense plumes of smoke visible from afar. Mayor Dirk De fauw of the CD&V party commented on the situation, stating, "The fire department was quickly on site, and together with the police, a large perimeter was set up." This prompt response was pivotal as the area was crowded with attendees for the Warmste Week, which is known for its charitable events.
The fire escalated rapidly, prompting emergency services to establish an extensive 400-meter safety perimeter as they worked to control the blaze. Firefighters faced many challenges as they encountered heavy smoke and intense heat, and according to reports, the upper floor of the building eventually collapsed under the strain of the fire.
"The damage to the building is extensive. It's completely uninhabitable," lamented Mayor De fauw, highlighting the severe impact of the incident. Fortunately, the restaurant was closed at the time, and no injuries were reported, allowing officials to breathe somewhat easier amid the chaos.
The atmosphere around the Warmste Week festivities remained lively, but crowds had to be managed by police to maintain safety as the fire raged nearby. Local agencies ensured public safety by advising people to steer clear of the dangerous perimeter set up around the incident.
Fire crew members have remained at the scene throughout the night, working diligently to extinguish any remaining hotspots and prevent flare-ups. Water damage was reported as significant within the restaurant—indicating the heavy firefighting efforts made to suppress the blaze.
The exact cause of the fire is under thorough investigation, with authorities seeking answers as to what led to such destruction near the heart of the city’s festive activities. Emergency services remain alert to prevent additional incidents, as the area continues to recover from this unexpected disruption.
While Brugge continues its beloved De Warmste Week activities, which empower various charitable causes, the response to the fire serves as sobering reminder of the inherent risks during crowded events, especially during the festive season.
Local authorities are urging everyone to remain cautious and to report any suspicious activity or signs of fire, thanks to the fortunate lack of injuries during this significant incident. Updates are expected to follow as investigations progress, serving as both lessons and reflections for the community moving forward.
