WILLEBROEK, BELGIUM – A large fire at Indaver’s waste management facility in Willebroek is nearing extinction, following a blaze that consumed approximately 600 tons of pressed PMD (Plastic Metal Drink) waste.

The incident, which began on Thursday night, has prompted extensive emergency response efforts but, as of Friday afternoon, has shown no new smoke emissions.

The fire originated in a warehouse where the compressed plastic bottles were stored, creating a substantial smoke plume visible from considerable distances.

However, air quality assessments conducted throughout the province revealed no harmful compounds or increased levels of hazardous substances in the smoke.

Indaver, located on Boomsesteenweg near the A12 motorway, reported no injuries resulting from the incident.

With emergency services indicating no ongoing smoke development since Friday afternoon, the fire crew is reducing their operational response while a small team remains on-site to monitor any potential flare-ups.

Municipal authorities have announced a temporary closure of Boomsesteenweg between Hoeikensstraat and Gansdijk to facilitate emergency services' work.

The road is expected to be reopened by Friday afternoon, allowing nearby businesses to resume normal operations, although the local recycling park will remain closed until Saturday.

Officials have provided guidance for residents, recommending thorough ventilation for those who had kept windows and doors shut during the smoke buildup.

Although some unpleasant odors still persist, residents are advised to wash hands thoroughly after handling any remnants from the fire, but they are cleared to dispose of any materials safely in residual waste.

Rob Kruitwagen from Indaver expressed gratitude towards the fire brigade, asserting that their prompt response saved all other structures on the property.

Despite the damage confined to the storage warehouse, Kruitwagen noted that operations could resume once the site is cleared for activity.

Willebroek Mayor Eddy Bevers commended the emergency services for their professional handling of the situation, highlighting the efficiency and effectiveness of the response team.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with authorities emphasizing the importance of fire safety measures that likely contributed to containing the incident.

These include the use of fire-resistant barriers to prevent the spread of toxic smoke and the strategic management of oxygen supply in the storage facility.

Indaver, a key player in the waste management sector, aims to restore its PMD processing operations at the earliest opportunity, contingent upon the site's stabilization and safety clearance.