Belgium battles unprecedented wildfire as Europe faces relentless blazes

Wildfires rage across Europe as exceptional heatwaves continue to fuel blazes, prompting the European Union to deploy aerial firefighting resources to Belgium. The EU has sent three helicopters and two water-bombing planes to assist in combating an unprecedented fire in the eastern part of the country.

The fire, which began Friday in the High Fens, Belgium's largest nature reserve, has forced local authorities to order evacuations in some villages. Firefighters, farmers, and the army have been working to contain the blaze.

This is the fifth heatwave of the summer in Belgium, and scientists attribute the increasing frequency and intensity of heat and drought conditions, which allow fires to spread rapidly and burn longer, to human-caused climate change.

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we are entering the beginning of the end of this fire

Spain is also grappling with significant wildfires. In Aragon, a fire that started Monday has forced over 1,000 people from 18 towns and affects more than 15,000 hectares. Firefighters have managed to slow its advance toward urban areas and protect two monasteries. Meanwhile, in Andalusia, a fire in Huelva province that has been burning for eight days has led to the evacuation of over 600 people. Officials there expressed optimism, stating the fire had not advanced overnight for the first time.

France is also experiencing renewed fire activity. A wildfire in the Landes region in the southwest reignited at dawn, burning an additional 1,580 hectares. While meteorological conditions were expected to improve with less extreme temperatures and potential rain, officials noted the fire was neither extinguished nor close to being so. Around 550 firefighters, supported by aerial units, are on the scene.

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The fire has not spread, but it has not been extinguished nor is it close to being so.