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Greek wildfire kills two, Belgian blaze
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The gist
Two die in Greek island wildfire as Belgian blaze burns 3,000 hectares.
Europe's fire season intensifies, forcing evacuations and straining resources.
Background
Europe is experiencing a wave of wildfires, with Greece and Belgium among the affected countries. On the Greek island of Salamis, two fires broke out, leading to two deaths and evacuations. In Belgium, a wildfire in the High Fens nature reserve has become the largest in over a century, burning about 3,000 hectares and threatening the German border.
How it unfolded
- Aug 14, 2026A wildfire breaks out in the High Fens nature reserve in Belgium.
- Aug 16, 2026Two bodies are recovered from Peristeria beach on Salamis, Greece, after fires on the island. Belgian blaze has burned about 3,000 hectares and is near the German border; hundreds evacuated.
- Aug 16, 2026Belgium's interior minister says two fire fronts are under control, but conditions remain challenging.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Belgium's interior minister Bernard Quintin says two fire fronts are under control but conditions remain challenging.