Belgium's largest wildfire on record brought under control

Belgium's largest wildfire in over a century has been brought "under control" after a seven-day battle, according to local authorities. The blaze in the High Fens nature reserve near the German border has burned an estimated 3,000 hectares (about 30 square kilometers), forcing hundreds to evacuate and drawing international assistance Source: euronewsen. The fire, which started on August 14 for reasons still unknown, is the country's biggest since 1911 Source: scmp.

The response

More than 250 firefighters and emergency personnel, including crews from Germany, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands, were deployed Source: aljazeera. Air support from Sweden, Norway, Germany, and Belgium conducted water drops, while local farmers used tractors to haul water from a nearby lake Source: theguardian. Belgium activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, with Commissioner Hadja Lahbib stating, "No country should face wildfires alone" Source: euronewsen.

The wider context

Europe is experiencing a severe wildfire season, with blazes also hitting France, Greece, Spain, and Serbia Source: apnews. A study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research warns that annual burned area in Europe could triple by the end of the century if emissions continue to rise Source: dwnews. The EU has a fleet of 22 firefighting planes and 5 helicopters, and has allocated €2.1 billion for forest and wildfire management between 2021 and 2027 Source: euronewsen.

What's next

While the Belgian fire is contained, officials warn it will take weeks or months of soaking to prevent reignition Source: euronewsen. German firefighters are withdrawing, but aerial monitoring continues Source: dwnews. In Greece, investigators are examining a deadly blaze on Salamina that killed two people, and arson arrests have been made Source: apnews.