Antwerp – Five fire zones in Antwerp conducted a significant drill on the Albert Canal, successfully pumping water at a rate of 4,000 litres per minute. Led by Captain Bart Leenaerts, approximately 50 firefighters tested long-distance pumping techniques, hose connections, and coordination among different districts, reports 24brussels.
The drill took place on September 24, 2025, between Zandhoven and Grobbendonk. Fire crews utilized the canal’s water, pumping 4,000 litres per minute, equivalent to over 1,000 gallons each minute. To mitigate water waste, the canal water was returned three kilometres downstream.
Captain Bart Leenaerts noted that this drill enabled all participating districts to practice extensive pumping, equipment connectivity, and shared protocols without affecting the water level in the canal. “The exercise is useful when major firefighting operations are required, for example, in the case of a natural or industrial fire, when we have no other water sources nearby,” he stated.
Fire zones execute 4,000L/min drill amid canal oil spill
During the exercise, various firefighting scenarios were evaluated, with a deliberate pace to ensure thoroughness. “We studied these scenarios in theory; now we must see if they can work in practice,” Captain Leenaerts remarked.
Firefighters practiced drafting water, establishing long relay lines, connecting pumps and hoses, and maintaining pressure monitoring. In addition to the 50 firefighters, drone pilots documented the entire operation to capture valuable training footage.
Leenaerts emphasized the importance of joint exercises, stating, “It’s important to practice with all the zones together, so we learn to deploy our equipment together. Coordination is also essential.” He reported progress during the drill, though concerns remain regarding the use of different hose sizes, which can create bottlenecks and decrease water pressure. Potential issues such as hose failures during high flow rates are also a consideration.
To address these challenges, crews tested adapters, pressure relief valves, and backup lines. The exercise received logistical and technical support from Civil Protection and involved collaboration among the five Antwerp fire zones.
“We can learn from this footage and use it later in training,” Leenaerts concluded.
On August 21, 2025, a semi-autonomous barge, River Drone 4, released approximately 10,000 litres of fuel oil into the Albert Canal near Antwerp. Local authorities and marine services responded swiftly, initiating a cleanup operation and temporarily halting canal traffic.
The leak occurred post the Olen lock complex, but was contained promptly, with the canal’s configuration preventing the oil from reaching Antwerp’s municipal water supply. Cleanup teams employed containment methods and sorbent booms to absorb the oil, allowing for the reopening of marine traffic by 2:00 PM on August 22, 2025. The incident resulted in the temporary closure of the Mars Food factory in Olen due to significant fumes, prompting Belgian authorities to conduct drills for such incidents.
