2026 Belgium wildfires

2026 Belgium wildfires
Date
  • July 2026
Statistics
StatusOngoing wildfire
Perimeteruncertain contained
Impacts
Deathsmultiple
Missing peopleuncertain
Evacuatedthousands
Livestock lostuncertain
Structures destroyeduncertain
Costuncertain
Ignition
Causemultiple causes
MotiveUnder investigation
Map

In 2026, there has been reports of the largest wildfire in recent history in Belgium.[1]

Background

The wildfires occurred during the 2026 European heatwaves.[2]

History

The High Fens – Eifel Nature Park cover an area of ​​more than 4,000 hectares, making it the largest nature reserve in Belgium. The vegetation consists mainly of heathland with forest, deep peatlands, protected peat deposits, and scattered deciduous forest. Many different and unique animals and plants live and grow here.[3]

High Fens

In August 2026, a wildfire broke out described as the largest in Belgium's recent history.[4] The wildfire ravaged about 3,000 hectares (7,400 acres) of the nature park.[5] The wildfire caused widespread destruction according acting governor of the province of Liège Anne Dassy.[6] The wildfire persisted despite the rain and relatively cooler weather.[7] Firefighting efforts are proceeding with great difficulty because the terrain is difficult to access and the fires are also spreading underground.[8] Hundreds of people were evacuated.[9] The region of the Belgium–Germany border is particularly affected.[10]

Wildfire in the High Fens nature reserve (Copernicus 2026-08-16)

See also

References

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  1. ↑ "Belgium faces largest wildfire on record, turns to Europe for air support". POLITICO. 16 August 2026. Retrieved 18 August 2026.
  2. ↑ Henley, Jon; Giuffrida, Angela; Burgen, Stephen (17 August 2026). "European farmers face 'unprecedented crisis' after successive heatwaves". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 18 August 2026.
  3. ↑ "Toegang tot de Hoge Venen". ternell.be (in Dutch). 18 August 2026.
  4. ↑ Jordan, Dearbail; Rossiter, Emma (15 August 2026). "Belgian wildfire doubles in size on third day tearing through Hautes Fagnes nature reserve". BBC News. Retrieved 18 August 2026.
  5. ↑ Giuffrida, Angela (16 August 2026). "Wildfires kill two in Greece and torch Belgian nature reserve". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 18 August 2026.
  6. ↑ NWS, VRT (16 August 2026). ""Le pire incendie de forêt de l'histoire de la Belgique" : des communes évacuées face à l'extension de l'incendie dans les Hautes Fagnes | VRT NWS: le site d'information de référence". VRTNWS (in French). Retrieved 18 August 2026.
  7. ↑ McNEIL, S. A. M.; español, SYLVIE CORBET Leer en (17 August 2026). "Belgian wildfire approaches Germany as Greece probes deadly blaze". AP News. Retrieved 18 August 2026.
  8. ↑ "LIVE "We gaan doel om brand in Hoge Venen te omsingelen vandaag nog bereiken", zegt brandweer". VRT (in Dutch). 18 August 2026.
  9. ↑ "Hundreds flee as Belgium battles wildfire at German border". dw.com. Retrieved 18 August 2026.
  10. ↑ "Belgium turns to European air support as wildfire rages near German border". RFI. 16 August 2026. Retrieved 18 August 2026.
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