Belgium is battling its largest wildfire on record, with a major blaze sweeping through the High Fens nature reserve in eastern Belgium and prompting evacuations as firefighters work to prevent the flames from spreading toward Germany.
The fire began Friday, August 14, in an area containing peatlands, heathland and pine forests that had become extremely dry following prolonged hot weather. By Sunday, the blaze had burned approximately 3,000 hectares (30 square kilometres), surpassing Belgium’s previous recorded wildfire record from 2011.
Around 600 residents in nearby communities were evacuated as a precaution. Authorities established defensive lines around affected villages while firefighters concentrated on the advancing front near the German border.
The response has involved more than 250 firefighters and emergency personnel, with support from Belgium’s military, neighboring Germany and Luxembourg, local farmers and international firefighting teams. Belgium also activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, bringing additional helicopters and water-bombing aircraft from European countries.
There was some encouraging news Monday, August 17, when rain fell across eastern Belgium, providing firefighters with much-needed relief and helping slow the blaze. However, evacuated residents had not yet been cleared to return home in the latest reports.
Authorities continue to monitor the fire closely as difficult terrain, dry vegetation and changing winds complicate firefighting operations.
The Belgium wildfire remains a developing situation, and evacuation, containment and safety information may change as emergency crews continue their efforts.