Belgium's fire of the century now 'under control'
Belgium's largest wildfire in a century has been brought "under control" after a seven-day fight involving hundreds of firefighters in the boggy terrain of the High Fens nature reserve.
Belgium's largest wildfire in a century has been extinguished after a week-long battle by hundreds of firefighters in the High Fens nature reserve. The fire, which spanned 3,000 hectares (7,500 acres), destroyed peatland, pine trees, and hiking trails. Despite the challenges posed by strong winds and mini-tornadoes, the fire is now fully contained on its western side.
Aerial support crews from Germany, Norway, Belgium, and Sweden continued to drop water on the burned perimeter until nightfall, when drones would monitor for potential flare-ups. While the fire is under control, officials warn it could take weeks or months for the area to fully recover. Around 350 firefighters and emergency personnel remain on the ground, alongside farmers who provided support since last week. All evacuation orders have been lifted in the affected border region.
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Also reported by 4 other outlets
- Belgium's fire of the century now 'under control' phys.org
- Fire of the century in eastern Belgium brought 'under control,' local official says euronews.com
- Belgium’s fire of the century now ‘under control’ freemalaysiatoday.com
- Belgium’s fire of the century now ‘under control’ torontosun.com
