A significant wildfire in Belgium's High Fens nature reserve is continuing to spread east, nearing the German border, as Europe grapples with a summer of extreme heat and widespread blazes. The fire, located about eight kilometers (five miles) from Germany, has consumed an estimated 30 square kilometers (about 12 square miles) of land.
On Monday, cooler weather and overnight rain provided some relief for approximately 500 firefighters working to contain the inferno. Aircraft from Norway, Sweden, Germany, and the Netherlands, along with local police drones, are assisting ground crews. Regional officials reported that while the fire's growth was somewhat contained by favorable winds, it remains out of control in inaccessible areas. Farmers have also been contributing by supplying water to the firefighting efforts.
Belgium's King Philippe interrupted his vacation to visit emergency services personnel battling the blaze. Precautionary evacuation orders remain in effect for hundreds of residents. Veterinarians involved in animal rescue efforts have noted that while larger animals could flee, smaller creatures in the peat bog landscape likely perished.
One official described the situation as dire, stating, "Maybe it will take decades to recover from this fire." The fire has left behind blackened trees and smoldering ground in the High Fens, a significant natural area.
Fires Across Europe
This Belgian wildfire is occurring against a backdrop of severe weather conditions across Europe, which is experiencing one of its hottest and driest summers on record, a situation linked by a recent study to climate change.
In Greece, firefighters worked to contain a blaze on the island of Salamina, west of Athens, which tragically killed two people, injured nine, and destroyed several homes on Sunday. On Monday, a separate fire erupted east of Athens near the main international airport, but it was contained within 30 minutes. Greek authorities have arrested an 80-year-old man on arson charges in Kavala, and the fire department reported over 300 fire-related arrests since the start of the year, including cases of deliberate arson and negligence.
Southwestern France has seen a fire in the Landes region brought under control after four days of intense firefighting. Approximately half of the evacuated residents have been permitted to return home. This fire had burned about 17 square kilometers (6.6 square miles) during a period of extreme heat. The French government has announced a 12 million-euro aid package for the Gironde and Landes regions to assist with rebuilding and supporting affected businesses.
Meanwhile, in Croatia, four individuals are suspected of deliberately starting up to 10 fires near the coastal town of Zadar. Police have questioned the suspects, who are accused of actions intended to endanger lives and property. An assessment of the damage is underway.