Belgian authorities announced on Thursday that the largest wildfire to hit the country in over a century has been brought under control, following a seven-day operation in the rugged terrain of the High Fens nature reserve. The local governor's office stated that the fire is now contained in its entirety and should not spread further, barring a dramatic shift in weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
The blaze, which erupted last week in the eastern region bordering Germany, expanded rapidly over the weekend, consuming an expanse of peatland, pine forest, and hiking trails roughly equivalent to half the size of Manhattan. Firefighters battled numerous flare-ups overnight in challenging conditions, with strong winds complicating efforts. A so-called mini-tornado even struck a town outside the park, underscoring the volatile weather.
According to the governor's office, the fire is now fully contained on its western flank, while operations continue to the east to complete the job. Ground temperatures in the burned area remain extremely high, prompting continued aerial support. Seven aircraft from Germany, Norway, Belgium, and Sweden have been conducting water drops around the perimeter, with crews hoping to maintain operations until nightfall, when civil protection drones will take over monitoring for potential flare-ups.
A long road to full extinguishment
Even with the fire under control, officials warn that it could take weeks or even months of persistent soaking and dousing to prevent the High Fens blaze from reigniting. The peat-rich soil is notoriously difficult to extinguish completely, and hidden hot spots can smolder for extended periods.
Around 350 firefighters and other emergency personnel remain deployed, supported by a fleet of farmers who have been mobilizing since last week, using their tractors and water trailers to assist in the effort. The local farming community has played a crucial role, ferrying water from nearby lakes to the fire lines.
Authorities have lifted all evacuation orders in the border region since Wednesday, allowing residents of several Belgian hamlets and a town on the German frontier to return home. The German contingent of firefighters is scheduled to begin withdrawing later on Thursday, with Belgian volunteers taking over their duties.
The High Fens, a protected nature reserve known for its heathland, bogs, and wooden boardwalks, posed unique challenges for firefighting crews. The terrain is a patchwork of dry peat and dense vegetation, making access difficult and allowing flames to spread underground. The cause of the fire remains unknown, but it occurred during a period of intense heatwaves, similar to conditions that fueled massive fires in the same area in 1911.
This wildfire is part of a broader pattern of devastating blazes across Europe this summer, with France, Greece, Portugal, and Spain all battling major fires fueled by dry conditions and record temperatures. The European Union has been stepping up its coordination of firefighting resources, as seen in the deployment of aircraft from multiple member states to assist Belgium.
As the climate continues to warm, experts warn that such extreme fire events will become more frequent, even in regions traditionally less prone to wildfires. The High Fens fire serves as a stark reminder that no corner of the continent is immune.
