Halle (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Around 50 police, fire, and security personnel and 50 extras took part in an inter-municipal Zonnig Huis emergency drill in Halle, today, Nov 29, 2025. Mayor Eva Demesmaeker oversaw procedures to improve preparedness.
As VRT News reported, a major emergency exercise was held today, Nov 29, 2025, at the Zonnig Huis nursing home in Halle. The drill simulated a gas explosion during a pancake-making session. Firefighters, police, medical teams, and municipal staff took part. Each group had clear roles to follow.
Firefighters focused on controlling the fire and keeping residents safe. Police managed street closures and public safety. Medical teams treated and triaged injured residents. Municipal workers supported logistics and ensured smooth coordination. Police officers specifically looked at streets near the nursing home, including De Maeghtlaan. They assessed if traffic needed to be diverted and what the impact would be on the surrounding area.
How did Zonnig Huis drill test 50 responders and emergency services?
Around 50 members of the police, fire department, and security services took part in the emergency exercise at Zonnig Huis nursing home. About 50 extras acted as residents and bystanders to make the simulation more realistic.
The drill was an inter-municipal exercise, bringing together teams from Halle, Beersel, and Sint-Pieters-Leeuw. These 3 municipalities form the Zennevallei police zone. This is the first time they have carried out such a large and practical exercise together.
Every participant and role was closely observed during the exercise. Observers recorded how well teams followed procedures and carried out their duties. Even top officials were monitored. For example, Halle’s mayor, Eva Demesmaeker (N-VA), was followed by the acting mayor of Beersel, who evaluated her approach and decisions. All notes and findings will be collected and analysed to improve the emergency plan.
“We naturally hope that such a scenario never becomes reality,”
says Demesmaeker.
“But a while ago, a fire actually broke out in the assisted living facilities in Ten Hove, which demonstrates how important thorough preparation remains.”
The Zennevallei police zone was created on 1 January 2016. It combines the police forces of Halle, Beersel, and Sint-Pieters-Leeuw. The zone now serves around 100,000 residents across the 3 municipalities. Since its creation, the police zone has worked to improve coordination between towns and strengthen emergency services. It has expanded its coverage, upgraded facilities, and invested in better equipment.
