Brussels firefighters entered a second consecutive day of strike action on Wednesday over chronic staff shortages, leaving the Belgian capital with only about 30 percent of normal operational capacity available. Just 46 of the usual 172 personnel reported to stations, and a mass medical emergency plan was declared to bring in reinforcements.
The SIAMU fire service urged residents to exercise heightened caution and avoid risky activities. Emergency dispatch centres and the 112 system remain fully operational.
The previous day, capacity had been sustained at roughly 70 percent thanks to support from the Red Cross and neighbouring rescue zones. Management had pledged service continuity ahead of the initial 24-hour walkout, called by a united union front protesting reduced guard rosters and the removal of response vehicles. Unions have demanded 200 additional firefighters since opposing a reorganisation plan in May.