Herentals (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The Herentals fire station, built in the 1980s, is being modernized for safety and sustainability. Kristof Geens says it will reopen by spring 2026 with better facilities and faster response.
As VRT News reported, the fire station in Harentals, in the province of Antwerp, Belgium, is being renovated because it’s old and doesn’t meet current needs. The old building is from the 1980s and needs updates.
Officials said that the busiest part of the work is fixing the vehicle garage housing the fire trucks. This will enable the firemen to be faster in getting to emergencies and working in safer conditions.
They mentioned that parts of the station, like office and crew changing spaces, will need to come down and be rebuilt. The new station will be comfortable, efficient and will comply with the new safety regulations.
Why is the Herentals fire station staying put during its 2026 green makeover?
Officials mentioned that the fire station is staying where it is, which is important for the volunteers. The fire station uses volunteers, and many live nearby. This helps them get to emergencies quickly when they are called.
They said that moving the station could slow down responses and make the volunteer system less effective. By staying put and renovating, the fire station keeps its connection to the community and stays ready for action.
“By staying at the same location, we can continue to guarantee our rapid interventions in the future”
Kristof Geens, Kempen fire brigade zone
In the renovation, old buildings will be replaced with new, strong concrete structures. According to Kristof Geens, the result will be one of the most modern fire stations in the area. The new building will have offices, a gym for firefighters, classrooms for training, and sleeping areas for ambulance staff, allowing them to stay on-site during long shifts.
A new high-voltage service entry will also be added to reflect the increased energy requirements for the new buildings. The design of a new fire station in Kempen has sustainability as well and has eliminated the need for fossil-based energies such as gas. The new fire station will include solar panels and heat pumps, and will have less environmental impact and reduced costs related to energy.
The plan also includes large rainwater wells to collect water for putting out fires, conserving drinking water. The project started with a symbolic wall demolition by the zone commander and mayor.
Despite the construction, the fire station continues to operate, with essential equipment remaining on-site. The renovated station is expected to be completed by late spring 2026, marking a new chapter for local emergency services.
“We have temporarily moved other vehicles to the municipal work halls,”
Geens reports.
“Herentals will therefore be able to continue to count on us.”
