Firefighters were pelted with Molotov cocktails overnight during an operation on New Year's Eve. The attack happened at Place Saint-Denis in Forest, according to a statement issued on Wednesday morning.
Crews responded to 588 calls, compared to the usual 450 on an ordinary duty night. They responded to 11 fires, 30 burning vehicles, and were called out 56 times for burning street furniture or rubbish bins. Firefighters also assisted two individuals injured by fireworks. Three e-bikes and electric scooters were set on fire.
In addition, ambulance crews dealt with 430 incidents, according to the report released at 08:30.
Firefighters' spokesperson, Walter Derieuw, described a "hectic night" for the crews. No one was physically harmed, but "mentally, it is a different story," he said. "Who can understand the absurdity of rescuers being unable to work in peace and safety?"
So far, four concrete incidents of aggression have been reported. "During an intervention, our colleagues faced Molotov cocktail attacks, had to urgently disconnect the fire hose and seek safety with the fire engine, awaiting police intervention," he explained. He thanked the police for their support.
Emotional support is available for any firefighters who need it, he added.
