Leuven (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – A fire destroyed the ground floor of a Lepelstraat house in Leuven overnight. No injuries were reported. Police arrested a 38-year-old suspect after investigators found signs of arson.
As VRT News reported, a serious fire broke out in a house on Lepelstraat in Leuven shortly after midnight on Tuesday, Jan 6, 2027, to Wednesday, Jan 7, 2026. Emergency services were called to the scene during the night.
Firefighters managed to put out the flames before they could spread further. No one was injured in the incident. The ground floor of the house was destroyed by the fire. Due to the heavy damage, the building has been sealed off.
What happened during the Leuven house fire?
Police said several residents living nearby were asked to leave their homes as a precaution while firefighters were working. Neighbours waited outside until the fire was fully under control. According to police spokesperson Marc Vranckx, the intervention went smoothly, and no further incidents were reported.
The public prosecutor’s office was informed immediately after the fire. A fire expert was appointed to determine the cause. Early findings indicate the fire was deliberately set. Following these initial conclusions, police arrested a 38-year-old man on suspicion of arson. The suspect remains in custody and will be questioned later today, Jan 7, 2025, said Ellen Durie of the Leuven public prosecutor’s office. The investigation is continuing.
In May 2025, during the night, a scout club building located in Veltem was destroyed due to a fire. A police investigation led to the arrest of an 18-year-old boy, while a 17-year-old companion was briefly taken into custody but subsequently released with conditions imposed on him.
The same situation occurred in Kessel-Lo, whereupon cardboard and other types of rubbish were ignited, resulting from an electric box igniting after being damaged. Firefighters were called to contain the fire. Evacuation of nearby residences was ordered until firefighters were able to bring the situation under control.
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