Andenne, Belgium – A major fire has completely destroyed a former factory belonging to Jumatt SA, a prefabricated home company in Seilles, near Andenne, on the morning of Sunday, March 1, 2026. Firefighters responded to the blaze around 3:30 a.m. Local time, battling the flames for hours, but were unable to save the structure. The cause of the fire is suspected to be criminal, according to initial reports.
The abandoned Jumatt factory, located at 22 Rue Bourie, was a large industrial building measuring 320 meters in length. Upon arrival, firefighters found the building already engulfed in flames. The scale of the fire necessitated reinforcements from neighboring fire zones, including Eghezée and Dinaphi, deploying a total of approximately 50 firefighters and numerous vehicles, including four tankers and four fire engines, according to L’Avenir.
Jumatt’s Recent History and Financial Difficulties
The fire comes after a period of significant hardship for Jumatt SA. The company, which specialized in prefabricated homes, filed for bankruptcy in June 2024, as reported by Bloomberg. The bankruptcy was met with criticism from the FGTB union, which described it as “a tragedy foretold,” citing mismanagement and instability within the company. The union pointed to frequent changes in leadership, a shift away from direct sales to consumers and a lack of transparency as contributing factors to the company’s downfall, according to RTBF.
The FGTB expressed concerns about the future of the site in Andenne, the potential for job losses, and the payment of wages for work completed in June 2024. A staff meeting was scheduled for Tuesday to discuss potential actions, including possible protests at other Bostoen Group sites.
The Fire and Emergency Response
Firefighters faced a challenging situation due to the length of the building and the intensity of the blaze. The structure was completely destroyed, with all supporting beams exposed to extreme heat, raising concerns about a potential collapse. As of Sunday morning, crews remained on scene to extinguish remaining embers and prevent further spread. The intervention was coordinated by Pierre Bocca, the commander of the Namur fire zone.
The building was unoccupied at the time of the fire, preventing any injuries. Still, the complete loss of the factory represents a significant loss for the local area and raises questions about the future of the site. Investigators are currently working to determine the exact cause of the fire, with suspicion falling on arson.
Impact on the Local Community
The closure of Jumatt in 2024 already had a negative impact on the local economy and workforce. The fire further compounds these challenges, leaving the future of the industrial site uncertain. The FGTB has called for a plan to reconvert the site and provide support for affected workers. The union is also seeking assurances that outstanding wages will be paid.
The incident has prompted questions about the security of abandoned industrial sites and the potential for criminal activity. Local authorities are likely to review security measures in the area to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Next Steps and Ongoing Investigation
The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing. Authorities are appealing for any information that may assist in their inquiries. The focus will now shift to securing the site and assessing the environmental impact of the fire. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses. The FGTB-scheduled meeting on Tuesday will likely outline the next steps for workers and union representation.
This incident involving the Jumatt factory underscores the challenges facing industrial areas in Belgium and the importance of responsible site management and worker protections. The community awaits further information regarding the investigation and the future of the property.
If you have been affected by this event or are experiencing distress, resources are available. You can find support and information from local authorities and community organizations.
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