Temporary evacuation of nursing home residents due to 2 burning mobility scooters

The fire department responded to a fire at the Vinkenhof care center in Houthalen-Helchteren, where two mobility scooters caught fire. Smoke spread to upper floors, prompting the evacuation of about twenty residents. A medical intervention plan was activated, bringing ambulances and emergency teams to the scene, but no residents needed to be hospitalized. A neighbor noticed the fire and attempted to extinguish it, suffering minor smoke inhalation. The fire was likely caused by a technical defect in the scooters. The fire department ventilated the affected floors, and the third floor has since been cleared for use.