Kluisbergen (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – About 30 firefighters from Fluvia and Flemish Ardennes trained at Kerkhove Marina. 15 divers rescued dummies, tested underwater communication. Spokesperson Jonathan Jouret highlighted teamwork, coordination, and night-light exercises.
As VRT News reported, about 30 firefighters from 2 districts trained together along the Scheldt River. The exercises took place at Kerkhove Marina, also called Kloron, on the border between Avelgem in West Flanders and Kluisbergen in East Flanders, Belgium.
15 divers took part in water exercises. They cut the seat belts of a sunken car and retrieved 2 life-sized dummies. The dummies were lifted safely onto the riverbank. The divers also checked under a small boat for hidden drugs. Another exercise, called the “circular advance,” had them move in circles around a boat while searching for specific items.
How are 30 firefighters from Fluvia and Kluisbergen training for river emergencies?
Another 15 firefighters trained on the riverbank. They supported the divers and practised rescue methods from the shore. Officials said joint training is important to improve coordination between teams.
Firefighters from different districts use different techniques during emergencies.
“It’s good that we learn each other’s techniques and can better coordinate our operations,”
says Jonathan Jourt of the Flemish Ardennes Fire Zone.
“With our Kluisbergen station, we sometimes respond to the Avelgem area, but incidents in the water don’t happen very often. That’s why it’s good that we conduct these exercises occasionally.”
“The focus is on collaboration and we can better align our methods and techniques.”
Jonathan Jouret, spokesperson for the Flemish Ardennes Fire Zone
Joint exercises give them a chance to learn from each other. They also allow teams to get to know each other better.
“The focus is on cooperation,”
Jouret adds. The darkness adds an extra dimension to the diving exercises. The additional lights are also tested for their effectiveness.
“If we’re called out at night, we also need to provide plenty of light, especially because divers see little to nothing underwater, even during the day,”
he says.
The Flemish Ardennes fire department has a special communication system for divers. This system lets them talk to each other while underwater. The Fluvia fire department does not normally have this system. Officials mentioned that during the exercise, Fluvia firefighters were able to test the equipment.
Fire Zone Fluvia was created on January 1, 2015, when several local fire brigades merged under a civil safety reform. The zone covers 14 municipalities, including Avelgem. Fluvia handles many water-related emergencies each year. In 2023, the fire service recorded more than 400 calls for flooding during one week of heavy rain. Officials said the zone trains regularly to improve safety and response in rivers and waterways.
