Machelen (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – A fire broke out Thursday, Dec 11, 2025, at the Machelen asylum centre housing 400 people. Nearly all were evacuated safely, 1 seriously injured, fire under control, cause unknown, residents temporarily relocated.
As VRT News reported, a large fire broke out on Thursday, Dec 11, 2025, evening at an asylum centre in Machelen, in the Flemish Brabant municipality of Diegem. The centre, located on Bessenveldstraat, houses about 400 people. Flames were reported around 6 p.m., and emergency services arrived quickly.
What happened in the Machelen asylum centre fire?
Nearly all residents were evacuated safely. 1 person was seriously injured and taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. The fire is now under control, but the full extent of the damage is not yet clear.
Investigators are working to find the cause of the fire, which has not been determined. Displaced residents are being temporarily housed elsewhere.
Machelen’s Asylum Centre serves as one of numerous national reception centres created for those seeking international protection in Belgium’s vast national asylum system. This centre opened in 2022 within an existing old hotel located on Bessenveldstraat and is intended to provide sleeping space, meals and assistance to applicants until such time as their application for asylum is processed.
Fedasil is the federal organisation responsible for managing the country’s wide-ranging network of reception centres for asylum seekers and operates many throughout the country.
