Smoke detectors will have to be installed in all homes in the Brussels Region from 1 January 2025, according to a decree issued by the regional government and published in Le Moniteur belge, the official gazette.
This obligation was already in place for rented accommodation in Brussels.
The decree stipulates that a dwelling must be equipped with at least one smoke detector in each room between the room furthest away and the front door of the dwelling, known in technical terms as the ‘internal circulation path.’
In a multi-storey home, this means that each floor must be fitted with at least one smoke detector. Smoke detectors should not be installed in bathrooms, kitchens, showers and garages, unless these rooms have a dual function.
Only detectors with a built-in battery lasting ten years, complying with the ‘EN14604’ standard and of the ‘optical’ type are authorised by the decree.
Finally, if there are four or more smoke detectors, they must be interconnected or form part of a centralised detection system. Homeowners who already have four or more smoke detectors that are not interconnected have until 1 January 2028 to comply.
The Region also notes that fire prevention advisers from the Brussels Fire Brigade can be contacted for home visits to find out where the various detectors should be installed. Contacts and details are available on the www.pompiers.brussels website.
