Wildfires Ravage Belgium and Greece Amid Europe’s Heatwave
In Baelen, Belgium, firefighters battled a significant wildfire that ravaged a nature reserve in eastern Belgium. This fire, along with another on a Greek island near Athens that resulted in two fatalities, highlights the severe conditions fueling fires across Europe. The blaze in Belgium burned 30 square kilometers in the High Fens, marking one of the country’s worst wildfires in recent history.
Belgium’s Response to the High Fens Wildfire
Authorities evacuated about 600 residents from nearby municipalities, Waimes and Bütgenbach, situated near the German border. These evacuations came as winds spread smoke across the area. Tourists were advised to leave, and a gymnasium was opened to accommodate evacuees.
Over 250 emergency personnel were deployed, including more than 100 Belgian and German firefighters, police, military officers, and civil protection staff. Helicopters from Belgium’s federal police and the Netherlands assisted in firefighting efforts.
Tragedy in Greece
Two people died in a wildfire on Greece’s Salamina island, west of Athens. Their bodies were discovered in Peristeria village, where strong winds rapidly spread the blaze. A separate fire was reported in the Selini area. Firefighting and coast guard vessels evacuated approximately 500 beachgoers.
About 260 firefighters responded, including 15 ground teams, 10 aircraft, and eight helicopters. With high wildfire risk, near gale-force winds exacerbated the situation, swiftly propelling the fire toward residential areas.
Record-Breaking Wildfire in Belgium
The current wildfire in Belgium surpasses a 2011 fire that had been the country’s largest on record, burning nearly 14 square kilometers. Nicolas Yernaux from the Public Service of Wallonia noted the increased severity due to very dry soil conditions.
René Dahmen, a chief engineer, highlighted the ongoing spread of the fire in difficult-to-reach areas. Efforts focused on stopping the eastern flank from advancing toward a municipal forest. Interior Minister Bernard Quintin acknowledged the success in preventing the spread toward the west and Monschau, Germany.
Residents from Belgium and Germany helped by using tanker trucks to transport water to the fire area.
European Assistance and Efforts
Belgium activated the EU’s civil protection mechanism for international assistance. EU Commissioner Hadja Lahbib mentioned Sweden’s contribution of water-bombing aircraft, and helicopters from the Netherlands and Czech Republic.
The fires follow weeks of abnormally hot and dry weather, with temperatures reaching 37°C recently. The heathland and peat bogs of the High Fens complicate containment efforts.
Additional Fires in Europe
France faced a wildfire in the southwestern Landes region, where 17 square kilometers burned. Approximately 650 people were evacuated. This marks the third significant wildfire in the region’s pine forests this summer.
In the UK, 14 wildfires in South Wales involved military support. Drought conditions persist, maintaining a high risk of wildfires despite the easing heatwave. Fires in the West Midlands destroyed homes during this week’s hottest day, reaching 38.1°C.
Germany saw progress against a wildfire in the Hürtgen Forest, allowing around 2,000 evacuated residents to return home. No open flames remained as crews established a cordon to prevent further spread.