Drogenbos (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – A fire broke out this morning, Oct 27, 2025, at Palmyra assisted living in Drogenbos, affecting 20 flats. Flemish Brabant West and Brussels firefighters evacuated residents safely. No injuries reported; cause likely electrical.
As VRT News reported, a fire broke out this morning, Oct 27, 2025, at the Palmyra assisted living facility in Drogenbos, in the province of Flemish Brabant, Belgium. Emergency services were called shortly after 9:30 a.m. The fire is believed to have started from a short circuit in the kitchen. Thick smoke spread through the building, affecting around 20 flats.
What caused the fire at Palmyra assisted living in Drogenbos?
Firefighters from the Flemish Brabant West department responded quickly. They were assisted by the Brussels fire department. The Brussels team helped evacuate the residents and moved them to the ground-floor refectory. The fire was brought under control in a short time.
“Because of the compartmentalisation of the building, there was no risk of smoke or flames spreading to other apartments,”
says Jeanfils. No injuries were reported. Residents are now temporarily housed in other assisted living apartments. Authorities are investigating the incident to confirm the cause.
A serious fire broke out at the Gabriel House Assisted Living Facility in Fall River, Massachusetts, on the night of July 13, 2025. The blaze started around 9:50 p.m. and quickly spread through the 3 story building. 10 residents died, and more than 30 people, including 6 firefighters, were injured.
Early reports suggested the fire may have been caused by a malfunctioning oxygen concentrator or discarded smoking materials. Authorities launched a full investigation, and the incident led to a review of fire safety rules at assisted living facilities across the state.