Belgium’s largest modern-day wildfire has expanded to 3,000 hectares, more than tripling in size within 24 hours, as firefighters call in aerial support to contain the blaze in the High Fens nature reserve near the German border.
More than 250 firefighters and emergency personnel worked through the night as several fire fronts remained active on Sunday. Efforts to contain the blaze have been complicated by shifting winds and the reserve’s difficult terrain, which includes peat bogs and heath where heavy vehicles risk becoming stuck.
The fire broke out on Friday for reasons that remain unknown, initially affecting 80 hectares before spreading to 850 hectares the following day. It has since sent thick smoke across the area, prompting the evacuation of residents from parts of two nearby villages.
Although no homes have been damaged, authorities said the fire remained out of control. Firefighters have also been unable to reach the area where it started, leaving its cause undetermined.
With ground access limited, aerial operations have become a key part of the response. Belgian police helicopters and Dutch aircraft were carrying out water drops on Sunday, while helicopters from the Czech Republic and Swedish water-bombing aircraft were due to join under the European Union’s civil protection mechanism.
Firefighters from Belgium and Germany are also supporting the operation, while local farmers have supplied water tankers.
The blaze comes amid a period of intense heat and drought in Belgium, with temperatures reaching 37C in parts of the country on Friday.
