Lokeren (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The East Fire Zone, in Lokeren and Dendermonde region, led by Commander Wouter Van Den Brock, will replace 26 vehicles, expand staff, and modernise operations from 2026–2031, doubling municipal contributions per resident to €51.
As VRT News reported, the East Fire Zone in the Lokeren and Dendermonde region will undergo a major modernisation over the next 5 years. The plan includes replacing 26 old fire vehicles with new, modern models.
During the previous policy period, new fire stations were opened in Buggenhout, Dendermonde, Lokeren, and Zele. An additional station was also added in Moerbeke. Wichelen will get a completely new fire station, with the land purchase planned for 2026.
How will East Fire Zone in Lokeren modernise 26 vehicles by 2031?
Officials mentioned that fire zone has not yet fully met all legal requirements. To address this, the district plans to hire more staff, invest in IT systems, and update office furniture. The vehicle fleet will also be renewed as part of the modernisation program.
“Over the next six years, we will be investing above average in equipment renewal, with a focus on our vehicle fleet,”
says Zone Commander Wouter Van Den Brock.
“A total of 26 outdated vehicles will be replaced, representing an investment of 18 million euros.”
“The additions will include two ladder trucks, four tankers, and several pump trucks. There will also be a mobile command post for large-scale interventions, a hooklift vehicle for transporting containers, and several command vehicles.”
“That’s essential, because the nature of the incidents we encounter is changing,”
explains Van Den Brock.
“Think of better-insulated homes, heavy-duty batteries, and the electrification of vehicles that make interventions more complex.”
The East Fire Zone is recruiting additional staff while upgrading its equipment. The fire department is recruiting additional personnel for fire prevention, purchasing, and IT. Starting in 2029, an external coach will be appointed to monitor the physical fitness of firefighters.
A new operations directorate is being created to support station chiefs, oversee specialised teams, and ensure the safety of all employees. Recruitment for a senior officer has started, and a director of operations is expected to be appointed within a few years.
To cover these investments, municipal contributions per resident will nearly double, rising from €25 today to €51 in 2031. The multi-year policy plan for 2026–2031 still needs approval from the Zonal Council and the individual municipal councils.
The East Fire Zone was established on 2 February 2009 and covers the municipalities of Berlare, Buggenhout, Dendermonde, Hamme, Lebbeke, Wichelen, and Zele, as well as the cities of Dendermonde and Lokeren.
The zone is managed by Zone Commander Wouter Van Den Broeck and overseen by a council made up of local mayors. Its operations are carried out by 382 volunteer firefighters across 9 fire stations, supported by around 25 permanent staff members.
Over the years, the fire zone has expanded its infrastructure, including a new fire station in Dendermonde that opened in December 2022. Last year, the fire zone handled nearly 4,000 emergency interventions, including fires, accidents, and rescue operations, showing the scale of its work and its vital role in public safety.
