Heavy fire burns flax company to ashes, asbestos may have been released

The fire started around 9:30 pm. Because hay is stored in the shed, the fire was able to spread very quickly. The warehouse was completely destroyed. The fire may have been caused by spontaneous combustion. The fire brigade and the municipality ask everyone who lives near the flax company to keep windows and doors closed, because asbestos may have been released.

This message is posted on Facebook: “The roof of the warehouse in question consisted of asbestos. During a first inspection, no pieces of asbestos could be found in the zone where precipitation could be expected. However, some burnt fibers of hay/flax were found in that zone. The residents of the area where there could be asbestos deposits will be informed by our services this morning. For the time being, this concerns a small part of Meulebeke (small part of Knorrebosstraat and Vuilputstraat). However, it is not at all certain that pieces of asbestos have spread due to thermal engorgement. When pieces of asbestos are found, and then we are talking about larger pieces (eg size of glass shards) in the form of fibrous sheet material, the fire brigade may be informed. The zone will be re-evaluated in the morning.”