Air support kicks in as record Belgian wildfire jumps in size
As smoke engulfs villages and firefighting teams grapple with the flames, the largest wildfire in Belgium's history is under intense control efforts with crucial aerial support. Discover the latest developments in this unfolding emergency.
Belgium's largest wildfire in recent history has grown significantly, prompting the deployment of crucial air support to assist firefighters in controlling the blaze. The High Fens park, located near the German border, has been the epicenter of the inferno, with the area of impact surging from 80 hectares on Friday to a staggering 3,000 hectares by early Sunday.
The fire, which broke out two days ago with unknown origins, has incinerated over 850 hectares of land thus far. As the situation remains challenging, two fronts of the fire -- those approaching the towns of Jalhay and Monschau -- have reportedly been brought under control by firefighters.
Interior Minister Bernard Quintin confirmed that localities of Jalhay and Monschau were now under control. Helicopters and tractors brimming with water tankers joined the firefighting efforts in Baelen, while a ballet of aerial vehicles worked tirelessly to douse the flames. European Commissioner Hadja Lahbib praised the swift response from European partners, including two water-bombing aircraft from Sweden that joined forces with four Belgian and Dutch helicopters already stationed on the ground.
The fire, which has sent plumes of yellowish smoke billowing into the air, has already prompted a partial evacuation of two nearby villages. Around 20 people took shelter in a local sports hall while others found refuge with friends or family, or opted to remain indoors despite evacuation orders. European Commissioner's support has been crucial in facilitating the deployment of aerial resources, including a liaison officer tasked with coordinating the efforts to prevent any accidents.
Despite the complex terrain, characterized by peat bogs, heath, and raised wooden boardwalks that pose risks for heavy vehicles, authorities remain optimistic that the defensive line protecting evacuated areas will hold. However, the smoke produced by the fire has drifted as far as Namur province, prompting authorities there to ask residents to refrain from calling emergency services with reports of the noxious odor.
No homes have been affected to date, though the proximity of the fire to populated areas remains a cause for concern.
Written by urgent.news from IOL's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
