A hundred solar panels on Don Bosco goes up in flames despite the extinguishing of school staff: « There was nothing more to do against it » (Halle)

The fire was noticed shortly before 11.30 am by present teachers. « Suddenly there was severe smoke development on the roof of the S building, » says Veerle Tordeurs, Director of Educational Quality. « It was mainly about very severe smoke development – flames were rather limited. A teacher, the technical director and a technical adviser went to the roof and undertook an extinguishing attempt. Unfortunately, nothing was left against it. »

In the meantime, the emergency services were also notified. Zennevallei police zone and the Flemish Brabant West Fire Zone West rushed on site. « And at their command we proceeded to evacuation of the entire school, » continues Tordeurs. « In view of the currently assessing class councils, the students of the TSO and BSO were not present. The teachers were in other buildings on the other side of the playground. In the affected building there were ten to fifteen people who were quickly outside. »

« It did have to be evacuated, » the Buso and primary school had to be evacuated, « it continues. « In the meantime, we have also started a crisis center in one of the classrooms. We were able to take care of local residents and parents who were in a panic and get more information. In the meantime, all students were also informed through Smartschool. Never someone has been in danger – the school was again a safe place in a very short time. »

Repair work

The fire brigade was completely under control half an hour after arrival. There was mainly still checking. The blocks V, S and T remained inaccessible for longer. There was around 160 solar panels on the spot where the fire raged. The fire brigade estimates that a hundred panels were digested by the flames. In the affected building there is also anxis of extinguishing water. In the coming days and weeks there will therefore have to be a decent cleaning, regardless of the necessary repair works.

« But also on Friday, class councils will continue that can continue, » says Tordeurs. « The students therefore have a teaching -free day. And then the Easter holiday starts, so that no one is present, outside the people who come to work on the damage and helping with brushing. »

It is not clear how the solar panels, which were placed in 2012, could barrel. The emergency services are certainly not based on bad intent, so there is no further investigation by the police and public prosecutor. A short circuit is the most obvious cause. The insurance company may be further investigated how it could arise.

In which way the lessons will be organized after the Easter holidays will have to be seen later.