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Belgium battles record wildfire, evacuations
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The gist
Belgium battles its largest wildfire on record, burning over 2,700 hectares and forcing 600 residents to evacuate. The blaze threatens homes near the German border, prompting EU aerial support.
Background
The wildfire broke out Friday in the High Fens nature reserve near the German border, an area of fragile peatlands and pine forests. It spread rapidly due to extreme heat and drought, becoming the largest in Belgium's modern history. The EU deployed helicopters and water bombers from Czechia, Sweden, and the Netherlands to assist.
How it unfolded
- Aug 14, 2026Belgium expected to hit its highest temperature of the summer, 37°C in Brussels, amid a heatwave.
- Aug 15, 2026Wildfire breaks out in the High Fens, quickly spreading from 80 hectares to over 2,700 hectares by late Saturday.
- Aug 15, 2026EU deploys three helicopters and two water bombers; around 600 residents in Waimes, Sourbrodt, and Bütgenbach are evacuated.
- Aug 16, 2026Light rain helps stop the fire's spread east towards Germany, but it continues growing north-east; King Philippe visits the affected area.
- Aug 17, 2026Fire continues to burn, with authorities warning of mounting losses; the blaze is described as the largest in Belgium's modern history.
Who’s saying what
- Officials
- Belgian authorities describe the fire as the largest in modern history and have ordered evacuations to protect residents.
- EU
- The EU mobilized aerial firefighting resources under the Union Civil Protection Mechanism to assist Belgium.
- Media
- Belgian newspaper Le Soir warned: 'This is no longer just a warning,' lamenting the severe impact of the summer heatwave.
Still unverified
The exact cause of the wildfire remains unknown; some reports mention a similar blaze in 1911, but details are unconfirmed.