Massive Belgium Wildfire Forces 600 Evacuations
A massive wildfire in eastern Belgium’s High Fens nature reserve has burned through more than 27 square kilometres of land, forcing hundreds of residents to evacuate. The fire, described as one of the worst wildfires in Belgium’s recent history, has spread across the protected area in Liège Province, near the German border. Around 600 residents in the nearby municipalities of Waimes and Bütgenbach were ordered to evacuate on Saturday as shifting winds pushed smoke toward populated areas.
Liège Provincial Governor Hervé Jamar said more than 250 emergency personnel had been deployed, including over 100 Belgian and German firefighters, alongside police, military personnel, and civil protection teams. Firefighting efforts have also been supported by helicopters operated by Belgium‘s federal police and the Netherlands. Authorities said no homes had been damaged as of Sunday morning, although the fire remained close to residential areas and dense smoke continued to affect the region.
The wildfire follows several weeks of unusually hot and dry weather in Belgium. Efforts to contain the blaze have been complicated by shifting winds, which have pushed smoke toward populated areas. Residents were urged to avoid the fire zone, with officials warning that unnecessary traffic could hinder emergency operations and slow firefighting efforts.
This disaster is reminiscent of other recent wildfires in Europe, which have been exacerbated by hot and dry weather conditions. The High Fens nature reserve, where the fire is burning, is a protected area known for its unique ecosystem and biodiversity.
