Air quality monitored as wildfire rages in Belgium's Hautes Fagnes

Authorities are closely monitoring air quality in the Hautes Fagnes region of Belgium due to a significant wildfire. Residents are advised to check the Wallonair website for real-time air quality data, which is updated every half hour. The site provides crucial information on airborne particles, particularly PM10 and PM2.5, which are known to be harmful to health.

The fire has generated a visible smoke plume and a persistent burnt odor, prompting concern among locals. Wallonair measures these fine particles continuously using light-scattering monitors. These particles can cause inflammation and carry various toxic substances, posing a risk to public health, especially for vulnerable individuals.

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The measures from the various measuring stations are available 'live', updated every half hour.

In response to deteriorating air quality, or if smoke is directly visible or smelled, specific precautions are recommended. These include ceasing the use of all ventilation systems (VMC), sealing air vents with damp cloths, keeping windows and doors closed, and remaining indoors until air quality improves. Additionally, avoiding strenuous outdoor physical activity and opting for public transport or carpooling are advised to minimize unnecessary pollution.

As of Sunday evening, the Wallonair site indicated a "moderate" air quality index (BelAQI) for the area affected by the fire in Hautes Fagnes. The index showed deterioration further south, in the province of Luxembourg. However, concentrations of fine particles in the province of Liège did not appear to be problematic based on the live data.

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These particles are themselves harmful, can cause inflammation, but also contain various toxic substances.