In a very tense context of reception of refugees and asylum seekers, the day and night reception center “La porte d’Ulysse” was the prey to a fire this Friday evening. The origin remains to be determined, but it is probably accidental.
Around 7:30 p.m., the fire broke out in this former office building in an interior island located on Chaussée de Louvain (near Place Meiser). The entire 1st floor platform was partitioned off to form small premises and served as a day and night reception center for refugees.
A hundred people were to spend the night of this Friday in the center. According to our information, the municipality of Schaerbeek has therefore launched an emergency rehousing plan. Mayor Cécile Jodogne went to the regional crisis center to monitor the situation.
During the fire, 70 people were evacuated. Fortunately, there were no casualties. Three pumpers, two self-ladders, the Smur and ambulances were mobilized.
A security perimeter was set up by the police. Firefighters are currently clearing away the debris.