Home / Environment / Record Wildfire Scorches Belgium's Largest Reserve
Record Wildfire Scorches Belgium's Largest Reserve
15 Aug
Summary
- EU deployed three helicopters and two water bomber aircraft to aid Belgium.
- The wildfire in the High Fens has burned 1,600 hectares, making it the biggest on record.
- Human-caused climate change is increasing fire-prone weather conditions.
A significant wildfire erupted in Belgium's High Fens nature reserve on Friday, prompting an emergency request for international assistance. By Saturday afternoon, the blaze had scorched an estimated 1,600 hectares, marking it as the largest wildfire ever recorded in Belgium. This surpasses a previous record from 2011, which affected nearly 1,400 hectares.
In response to Belgium's plea for reinforcements, the European Union mobilized three helicopters and two water bomber aircraft. These crucial resources were dispatched from the Czech Republic, Sweden, and the Netherlands, as confirmed by EU Crisis Commissioner Hadja Lahbib. Local firefighters, farmers, and the army have been engaged in battling the flames, utilizing water from nearby lakes.
This intense wildfire occurs amidst a backdrop of extreme summer heatwaves across Europe. Scientists highlight that human-induced climate change is intensifying weather patterns that are conducive to wildfires, leading to faster spread and prolonged burning periods.
