Antwerp (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Beerschot football club’s Olympic Stadium in Antwerp has been declared fire-safe by the fire department, allowing the club to welcome fans back to the Kiel.
The club had to take action a few months ago to save stand 1 from closing.
Every year, police conduct fire safety inspections of football stadiums in Belgium. Beerschot was reprimanded a few months ago. Stand 1 faced closure if the required actions were not taken.
These actions have now been completed.
“We have addressed all the shortcomings and have now received the green light from the Antwerp fire department. Our stadium is fully operational,”
Antwerp says spokesperson Bram Vaesen.
The club had several things to address.
“There was insufficient signage at stand 1. Furthermore, several inspection documents were missing, and there were minor defects in the stadium. We’ve now resolved all these issues,”
said the spokesperson.
Stand 2, which has been closed for several seasons, will remain closed.
“In principle, it could open, but there’s currently no need for it. Last season, it was only necessary during the derby against Antwerp.”
The favorable suggestion lasts for a year. Next year, the stadium needs to undergo another inspection.
What specific fire safety measures did Beerschot implement to improve building safety?
Beerschot’s Olympic Stadium addressed fire safety issues—particularly those threatening the closure of stand 1—by implementing a range of standard fire prevention and protection measures aligned with best practices for large buildings and public venues.
Clearing hallways, stairways, doors, and exits to provide safe and quick egress for spectators and allow fire department access. Including smoke detectors, heat sensors, and audible alarms that function reliably even during power outages to promptly alert occupants.
Fire-resistant doors and walls in stand 1 to contain potential fire and slow its spread. Fire compartmentalization to isolate areas and provide safe evacuation routes.
Strategically placed fire extinguishers, fire hoses, and possibly sprinkler systems to suppress fires early. Bright, illuminated signs guiding spectators toward emergency exits to prevent confusion during evacuations.
Conducting preventive inspections and addressing all identified deficiencies promptly to ensure compliance with fire codes and safety standards.
