Air support kicked in as Belgium’s largest modern-day wildfire expanded rapidly, reaching 3,000 hectares (7,400 acres) in less than three days. The blaze erupted in the High Fens nature reserve near the German border, an ecologically sensitive area known for its peatlands and pine forests. Firefighters and emergency personnel, numbering over 250, worked tirelessly to contain the fire, aided by aerial resources including helicopters and water-bombing aircraft from Sweden. The fire, which began on Friday, initially covered 80 hectares before expanding to 850 hectares by Saturday and finally reaching 3,000 hectares by early Sunday. The fire broke out in an area historically prone to severe blazes, having suffered devastating burns in 1911 during a prolonged heatwave and drought. Conditions remained challenging for responders, with shifting winds complicating efforts. Despite these difficulties, two of the fire fronts, heading toward Jalhay and Monschau, were declared under control by Interior Minister Bernard Quintin. A thick plume of yellowish smoke blanketed the region, leading to the partial evacuation of two nearby villages. Around 20 residents spent the night in a local sports hall, while others sought refuge with relatives or chose to remain in their homes despite warnings. Smoke from the fire traveled as far as the neighboring Namur province, where officials urged residents to avoid overwhelming emergency hotlines with calls about the odor. The governor’s office confirmed that the defensive line around evacuated areas was holding, though no homes had yet been damaged. Firefighters faced additional challenges due to the rugged terrain of the High Fens, which includes heathland, peat bogs, and elevated boardwalks. Heavy vehicles risked becoming stuck, and close-range firefighting proved difficult. As a result, aerial assistance became crucial in managing the situation. European Commissioner Hadja Lahbib announced the arrival of two water-bombing aircraft from Sweden, joining four helicopters already operating, two Belgian and two Dutch. A liaison officer was assigned to coordinate these aerial resources to ensure safety and efficiency. Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever expressed gratitude for the European Union’s support, highlighting the collaborative effort to combat the growing threat. Like much of Europe, Belgium endured extreme heat and drought, with temperatures peaking at 37°C (99°F). These conditions created ideal circumstances for wildfires, though the exact cause of the High Fens fire remains unclear due to limited access to the initial outbreak zone. Meanwhile, in southwestern France, another wildfire ignited near the town of Luglon, threatening the pine woodlands of the Landes region. The fire, which began on Thursday, had consumed 1,100 hectares (2,700 acres) by Friday and had spread to within 2 kilometers of the village center. Regional official Gilles Clavreul noted that the situation remained volatile, with 500 firefighters deployed and six aircraft assisting in suppression efforts. Roads surrounding the area were closed, and officials did not confirm the fire’s origin. The region has faced repeated wildfires this summer, with temperatures forecast to reach 36°C (97°F). In a separate incident, a 15-year-old was arrested in connection with a July fire near Bordeaux Airport that resulted in the deaths of two firefighters. The teenager, reportedly responsible for discarding a lit cigarette butt, is under judicial investigation. French authorities have arrested 474 individuals on suspicion of igniting fires, with 183 being minors. Over 70% of those detained are suspected of deliberate acts of arson. This follows a broader pattern of increased wildfire activity across southern France, where the area burned this year surpasses that of the previous record year, 2022.
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