Authorities Control Largest Belgian Forest Fire in a Century

Firefighters have brought the largest forest fire in Belgium since 1911 under control in the High Fens natural reserve. The blaze destroyed approximately 3,000 hectares of vegetation, including pine forests and peatlands, during a heatwave that saw temperatures reach 37 degrees Celsius. While the governor of the province of Liege stated the fire is overall under control, officials noted that the situation in the east near the German border remains less stable than in the west. Approximately 350 personnel fought the flames, including 75 German firefighters who were scheduled to withdraw on Thursday. Aerial support was provided by helicopters from Belgium, Germany, and Norway, as well as planes from Sweden.

Evacuation orders have been lifted for several areas. Residents of the Belgian towns of Küchelscheid, Leykaul, and Sourbrodt were permitted to return, as were approximately 30 people from the Kalterherberg district of Monschau in Germany. German authorities reported that air pollutant concentrations remained below limits for severe health effects, although increased fine dust was recorded. North Rhine Westphalia Interior Minister Herbert Reul stated that the cause of the fire must be carefully examined and warned against speculation.

Reporting on the event varied by political lean. Center and center left sources both highlighted the link between the fire and climate change, citing a study that suggests burned areas in Europe could triple by the end of the century if no action is taken. The center left framing specifically emphasized the vulnerability of European landscapes due to human intervention.