According to a new report, the Tomorrowland mainstage blaze started when combustion unintentionally spread from fire bowls to the stage decorations.
More than three months after a mainstage fire put all eyes on Tomorrowland in Boom, Belgium, investigations have reportedly determined a potential cause of the incident.
According to VRT News, unnamed sources familiar with the inquiry have claimed that the fire broke out when a test was being conducted with at least four fire bowls. Flames allegedly spread from one of more of them to the stage decorations, whose styrofoam and wood materials caused the blaze to accelerate even further. Fire bowls often contain strontium, which changes the colors of the flames but can act as an accelerant.
The fireworks set to be used in Tomorrowland’s pyrotechnics displays had allegedly been set under the stage too early, contributing to the spread. According to the festival’s firework permit, “any open fire or flame production is strictly prohibited within a 25-meter radius of the location where fireworks are stored, prepared, or set off.”
What remains to be uncovered is which staff members were conducting the fire bowl test, and from what companies. The sources cited were also at pains to clarify that the investigation has yet to conclude that the fire bowls were the sole cause of the entire blaze.
“We’re now investigating whether the fire definitely spread from one of those fire pits, and we’re also studying how the fire could have spread so quickly,” said a source. “Something must have gone wrong, and we’re diligently investigating.”
Tomorrowland spokesperson Debby Wilmsen emphasized the importance of completing the investigation before jumping to conclusions. “We cannot comment on the possible cause of the fire,” she said. “Even today, there are still inquiries going on. We are awaiting the final conclusion of the investigation, because only then will we be 100 percent certain of the cause of the fire.”
The Tomorrowland mainstage blaze reportedly caused approximately €60 million in damages, according to one of the sources.
