Fire in Muntcentrum in the heart of Brussels under control

The fire that raged in the former administrative center of the city of Brussels, the Monnaie Center, is fully under control. According to the fire brigade, the fire raged in an old ventilation system and spread to the roof could be avoided.

The fire in the building on Anspachlaan, where renovation work is underway, was noticed around 10:30 am. The workers and crane operators were able to escape to safety while the fire brigade arrived on site with four fire engines, three ladder trucks, three ambulances and two mosquito teams. In the meantime, the Brussels police established a safety zone. There were no injuries during the fire and no fire extinguishing efforts.

Until the end of 2022, the building housed the administrative services of the city of Brussels and the headquarters of Bpost. The services of the city of Brussels moved to the brand new Brucity building, a few hundred meters away, and Bpost moved to the other side of the street. The building has since been transformed into a multifunctional building with offices, catering establishments, hotels and apartments.

No injuries

According to fire department spokesman Walter Derieuw, no one was injured. “The workers and the crane operator have been brought to safety.” The fire started at an old ventilation system. The flames cause a large plume of smoke that can be seen from afar. Police officers secure the area surrounding the building.

The nearby De Brouckère metro and tram station remained open, but for safety reasons the metros will not stop there for the time being, the STIB reported. The trams do stop in the underground station. Bus lines 29 and 71 are locally diverted. STIB employees are on site to guide travelers.