The mobility of emergency services
To reach the scene of an incident and limit its consequences, emergency vehicles use the road network. The constraints these vehicles encounter are, on the one hand, related to the specific characteristics of these vehicles – dimensions – and, on the other hand, imposed by external factors – congestion, speed bumps, road widths, road layouts, etc.
For more information on the mobility of emergency services, the location of fire stations, and the importance of certain road axes, click here
Building accessibility: what are the regulatory requirements?
The accessibility of emergency vehicles to buildings is a regulatory requirement and an operational need for the emergency services. In most cases, the accessibility to facade openings (windows) for the Fire Service’s ladder trucks functions as a second evacuation route for occupants in the event of an incident. For more information, click here
Emergency vehicles: what constraints?
To understand the accessibility requirements outlined in the regulations, it is necessary to understand the technical characteristics of emergency vehicles. Indeed, the ladder truck, the most restrictive emergency vehicle, is used as a reference for the regulations. For more information on the characteristics of the ladder truck, click here
Public space planning
Since 2018, a decree has regulated the actions and works subject to an urban planning permit for which an opinion from the Fire Service is required. To access the regulations, click here
- To find out how to request an opinion, click here
There are a number of best practices for planning public space to take into account the needs of emergency vehicles to move and intervene. A description of these best practices can be found here
Temporary arrangements – execution of road works
The article concerning the circulation of emergency vehicles in the context of the execution of road works on public roads is Article 35 of the Government Order of the Brussels-Capital Region of April 4, 2019
If the conditions mentioned in this article are not met, the person responsible for the work must submit a prior authorization request to the Fire Service.
This opinion will allow the Authorities to issue the authorization while ensuring that the safety of people and property is not endangered.
Urban furniture to secure: how to guarantee access for emergency services?
In the context of public space planning, it may be considered to limit the access of cars to certain areas. This option can be considered, among other things, to secure against the risk of ram-raiding; in the context of pedestrianization; in the context of a school street, etc. These areas must, in most cases, always remain accessible to Fire Service vehicles. Several types of urban furniture are considered in this context
The access codes for the operation of bollards or for the release of barriers locked with a padlock (as in the Bois de la Cambre) must be communicated to the Fire Service – including in case of modification. The communication of these codes to the Fire Service must be done by email to the address plans-plannen@firebru.brussels