Belgian Politicians Assess Fire Response in Hautes Fagnes Amidst Ongoing Blaze

Belgian politicians, including Walloon Minister-President Adrien Dolimont and Vice-President François Desquesnes, visited the Hautes Fagnes region as fires continued to rage. They assessed the situation and coordinated response efforts, with Dolimont stating that measures were put in place effectively, despite the inherent imperfections of crisis management.

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The priority remains to support the teams engaged against the fire and to adapt public resources to the real needs on the ground. The SPW MI will continue to mobilize its agents and its infrastructure as long as necessary to guarantee water intake, maintain operational access and facilitate interventions.

Dolimont also indicated plans to mobilize the Agency for the Collection of Social Benefits (Aviq) to address concerns about prolonged smoke exposure for residents in the affected area. Desquesnes, whose responsibilities include local authorities, stressed that the primary focus remains on supporting the teams battling the blaze and ensuring public resources meet the actual needs on the ground. He assured that the Public Service of Wallonia (SPW MI) would continue to provide agents and infrastructure as required for water access, maintaining operational routes, and facilitating interventions.

Federal Interior Minister Bernard Quintin was also present, with plans to return. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Bart De Wever officially acknowledged the situation on Sunday morning, commending the remarkable work of all teams deployed from across the country. Flemish Minister-President Matthias Diependaele offered Flanders' assistance to the government of the German-speaking Community to help combat the fire.

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We are going to mobilize Aviq to answer questions about prolonged exposure to smoke from the fire for people living in the region.

Despite the widespread solidarity shown since Friday, the political landscape remained relatively subdued. However, as Sunday evening approached, the opposition started to voice demands for explanations, while most parties lauded the collective effort. The article notes that access to further details requires an internet connection.

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The work of all the teams mobilized on the ground, coming from all corners of the country to fight the flames, is remarkable.