An accidental brush fire swept across two hectares of dry terrain in Herstal on Sunday after a lighter malfunctioned during an encampment on Rue Delsupexhe, according to local reporting from RTL info. The blaze, which began in a narrow and overgrown area bordered by embankments near a roadway slip road, rapidly outpaced initial emergency responses before firefighters contained the spread.
Rapid Spread and Emergency Response in Herstal
According to RTL info, emergency services initially received reports of only a few square meters of brush on fire. By the time the first fire engine arrived from Liège, the flames already covered between one and one and a half hectares. As crews requested reinforcements, the total affected area reached two hectares in the field located along Rue Delsupexhe.
Because of the rapid propagation and difficult terrain, Liège firefighters requested support from the Vesdre-Hoëgne & Plateau zone, which regularly handles hard-to-access areas requiring all-terrain vehicles. This rapid escalation followed established protocols for drought periods, which immediately deploy heavy resources to manage high-risk environments, as reported by RTL info. Crews ultimately contained the fire, utilizing thermal imaging cameras and a final safety wetting before departing.
Did You Know?
The fire started in a hidden field along a roadway slip road where unmaintained vegetation and dry soils created high-risk conditions, prompting emergency services to implement a strict zero-risk protocol requiring immediate deployment of all-terrain equipment.
Eyewitness Account and Hospitalization
A homeless individual identified in reports as “J.C.,” who had camped on the property for three months, stated that an acquaintance named Charly lit a cigarette despite warnings. According to J.C.’s account published by RTL info, “His lighter blew up in his hands,” causing the device to drop into dry grass and igniting the terrain within thirty seconds.
Both men quickly found themselves trapped by thick smoke and multiple ignition points. J.C. recounted telling his companion that surviving was the only priority. Emergency crews evacuated Charly, who suffered injuries to both hands, to a hospital. J.C. credited the prompt arrival of firefighters with saving their lives, noting they would not have escaped otherwise.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the brush fire in Herstal?
According to witness statements provided to RTL info, the fire started when a lighter malfunctioned in the hands of a camper, dropping into dry grass.
How much land was destroyed?
Reporting from RTL info confirms that exactly two hectares of brush burned in the field located on Rue Delsupexhe.
Were there any injuries reported?
Yes. One individual identified as Charly sustained injuries to both hands and was transported to a hospital, according to eyewitness accounts published by RTL info.
What steps should local authorities take regarding unmaintained roadside brush during dry periods to prevent similar fires?