The Sint - Pieters church in Galmaarden in Vlaams - Brabant (Belgium) was nearly completely destroyed by fire in the night of the 12th of May. From the building only some walls remain. The cause of the fire may be a rocket fired during the festivities in the municipality of Galmaarden.

The church is a historically important building, protected as cultural heritage in 1976 and recently restored in 1995. The church still contained some original parts from the 13th and 14th century. The building featured some beautiful church furniture from the 18th century, amongst others the altars, the confessionals and the beautifully carved pulpit. Fortunately some other art objects have stayed untouched because they were kept in other premises.

The mayor of Galmaarden, Pierre Deneyer, would like to have the church rebuild again, but it is not sure yet if this is possible, since the damages are quite extensive.  An expert advice will be given by members of the Monuments and Landscapes service.

But even if the church can be restored, the unique furniture will be lost forever. This occurrence  proves once more how vulnerable cultural heritage is, and how difficult it remains to protect it, regardless of all precautions taken.

It is not the first time that rockets cause fires with a tragic ending. In Belgium it is forbidden to fire rockets in the streets and even for use in one's garden the mayor has to issue a permission.