A raging fire destroyed part of the bakery building on Sunday evening. It is now clear that the fire was accidental. The fire probably started in the flour loft above the ovens.
The report came just before seven o'clock on Sunday evening. “We were preheating our ovens when we saw smoke development,” says manager Dominique Verstraete (57). He was born in the Walleweg and it visibly affected him that his life's work went up in flames. “At first we thought there was some bread left in the ovens. After a while we realized that something was wrong in the attic above the oven,” says Verstraete. “When we went to look, we saw the fire. We immediately notified the fire brigade.” (Continue reading below image)
The fire brigade was quickly on site, but shortly after arrival the fire broke through the roof. The fire was extinguished from both sides with all their might. The place where the two brick ovens are located was particularly affected. It is precisely those ovens that give the typical taste of Bellegems Bread.
“The public prosecutor's office already ruled that the fire was accidental,” says Verstraete. “It is much too early for other conclusions. On Monday afternoon a cleaning crew came to see how things could be cleaned up on Tuesday. The roof must also be closed first. Then we have to look at what is or isn't broken. The brick ovens have been there since ancient times. If they are intact, that is a great relief. If not, we need to find someone who can work on it. We will do everything we can to make something from our orders. We may know more in two days. We evaluate step by step.”
Support campaign
In June this year there was CO₂ poisoning in the bakery after an incorrect connection was made. The manager and two employees had to go to hospital. Everything ended well.
Bellegems Brood has been a bakery in Bellegem since 1954. There are five employees. Bellegem residents are starting a support campaign for the manager because they want the bakery to continue to exist and the insurance does not pay for everything. You can follow this action steunactie.be.