Firefighters in ‘crucial’ push to encircle Belgian wildfire

Firefighters in Belgium are making a critical all-night effort to encircle the nation's largest wildfire in a century, despite challenging conditions. Much of the fire, which has burned an area equivalent to half Manhattan (3,000 hectares or 7,500 acres), has been contained; however, a hard-to-reach front near the German border remains a concern due to gusty easterly winds.

The fire, located in the peatland, pine tree, and hiking trail-rich High Fens nature reserve, has been difficult to tackle due to the terrain and heavy rain that has hampered aerial support operations. Crisis cell spokesman Tony Hosmans stated that the fire should be fully enclosed by the end of Tuesday, but operations will continue through the night.

The fire is particularly challenging as it is burning deep underground in peat, which can reignite when disturbed. Officials warn that the cleanup process, which may take weeks or months, will be necessary to prevent the fire from reigniting.