Belgium counts on air support as record wildfire jumps in size

A massive wildfire has engulfed 3,000 hectares near the German border in Belgium, marking the country's largest wildfire since 1911. The blaze, which began on Friday in a nature reserve with peatlands and pine forests, has nearly quadrupled in size to 3,000 hectares by early Sunday, doubling since the previous day. Belgian federal police helicopters and Dutch aircraft joined the firefighting effort, drawing water from a nearby lake to aid efforts to control the flames.

Conditions in the High Fens park remain challenging due to the rugged terrain, which includes heath, peat bogs, and raised wooden boardwalks, making it difficult for heavy vehicles to operate. Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever credited local farmers for providing water tankers to support the firefighting operations. European Commissioner Hadja Lahbib indicated that Norway and Germany may also contribute aerial support via the European Union civil protection mechanism.

Temperatures across Belgium have soared to 37°C, exacerbating the risk of wildfires as the country grapples with a prolonged heatwave and drought.