Foam fight: Brussels brought to a standstill as protesting firefighters turn their hoses on police
Last updated at 1:47 PM on 23rd January 2010
When a disgruntled group of Belgian firefighters wanted to press for speedier promotions, an ordinary street demonstration just wouldn't cut it.
Instead, the 150-strong group turned to their trusty water trucks to make themselves seen - blocking the streets of the capital Brussels with a spectacular foam display.
Making use of the hoses usually reserved for fires, the emergency workers sprayed foam from 20 trucks over a main road in central Brussels, blocking traffic in the busy area.
More than 150 firefighters covered central Brussels with foam to protest over pay
Police were helpless as they were sprayed with foam during the protest
The streets resembled a winter wonderland as the thick layer of white foam coated the road and nearby buildings.
Police who arrived to calm the protest were helpless as their comrades covered them in foam, and many officers were spotted laughing.
Not happy with just stopping traffic they then turned their hoses on nearby government buildings - including the Brussels' Minister President's office.
The firemen also lit several fires to attract attention, before quickly putting them out
Protesters used their firefighting trucks to scale government buildings and cover them with foam
Government buildings, including the Minister President's office, were targeted in the attack
The protesters also used their ladders to get onto the roof of government buildings as sirens wailed below.
The firefighters also changed roles for the day - lighting small fires on the roads before quickly putting them out.
The workers are demanding clearer rules with regards to nominations and promotions.
One policeman saw the funny side as he was covered in foam
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