55 residents of a care institution evacuated after a fire in Poperinge

The fire is under control. There was a lot of smoke development.

Medical contingency plan for evacuation

The 55 residents with a disability were first taken care of in a rest home nearby. They were then transferred to hospitals in Ypres, Rumbeke and Kortrijk for a check-up, says Brandweer Westhoek. Many ambulances were needed for this and the medical intervention plan was announced.

Four police officers also had to be taken to hospital because they were overcome by the smoke.

Fire under control

Around 6 o’clock this morning, the Westhoek Fire Brigade announced that the fire has been extinguished and that the building is being ventilated.