Belgium Faces Historic Wildfire Crisis as EU Sends Support
By Editor • August 16, 2026 • 2 min read
Belgium is grappling with one of the most devastating wildfires in its history, as firefighters race against time to control a blaze that has consumed over 2,700 hectares of land in the High Fens park, near the German border. This rapid escalation of the fire, which began on Friday, has led to urgent evacuation orders for hundreds of villagers in the area.
The wildfire, fueled by extreme heat and drought conditions, has been described by officials as the largest of its kind in modern Belgian history. The terrain, characterized by fragile peatlands and dense forests, poses significant challenges for firefighting efforts. By Saturday evening, the inferno had grown exponentially from just 80 hectares the previous day, leaving a trail of destruction through the nature reserve.
Emergency services are hindered by the rugged landscape, making traditional firefighting methods ineffective. "There is a risk that the fire could reach homes, but we are deploying all available resources to protect them," warned Nicolas Yernaux, a spokesperson for regional authorities in Wallonia. To bolster local efforts, the European Union activated its civil protection mechanism, dispatching helicopters and water bombers from neighboring countries.
As the situation worsened, the Belgian Red Cross opened a gymnasium in the nearby municipality of Malmedy to provide shelter for around 600 evacuees. "We are here to provide them with information and meet their basic needs; that is, food, water and somewhere to rest," said Romane Bouhaben of the Belgian Red Cross.
Local residents, such as restaurant owner David Rodolfs, witnessed the fire's onset, describing a scene filled with smoke and falling ash. With temperatures soaring to 37 degrees Celsius in recent days, the region has been under significant stress from heatwaves, echoing a broader pattern of climate upheaval across Europe.
As firefighters continue their battle, community support has emerged, with local farmers joining the efforts to assist emergency crews. Belgium’s Interior Minister Bernard Quintin expressed his shock at the speed of the destruction but praised the dedication of those working to combat the flames, highlighting the collective resilience in the face of such a natural disaster.
Source: www.france24.com
