Belgium requests EU aid for largest forest fire in 30 years

Belgium is battling its largest forest fire in three decades near the town of Balen, an inferno that has scorched about 1,600 hectares and prompted an urgent appeal for international help.

The massive blaze, located approximately 25 kilometers from the German border, has overwhelmed local resources. In response, Belgium has activated the European Union's civil protection mechanism, seeking aid from fellow member states.

Neighboring Germany has already dispatched firefighters to assist. The EU response is rapidly mobilizing, with helicopters and planes from the Czech Republic, Sweden, and the Netherlands expected to join the effort. The Belgian military has also been called in to support the firefighting operations.

This significant environmental event underscores the challenges faced in combating large-scale wildfires, especially in densely populated European regions. The coordinated international response highlights the interconnectedness of European nations in addressing major crises.