Some residents sleep in dining room due to fire at wzc Vinkenhof in Houthalen: "Neighbor who extinguished the fire is our hero"

A fire broke out at the Vinkenhof nursing home in Houthalen, causing two mobility scooters to burn. Residents were temporarily evacuated to communal areas due to smoke. Fortunately, no injuries occurred, although some rooms still have lingering odors. A neighbor who extinguished the fire was praised as a hero but required hospitalization due to smoke inhalation. The night passed calmly, with staff ensuring residents were comfortable. A cleaning company will be needed to address the smoke damage in several rooms, but all residents are safe.