Could Belgium also face large wildfires? 'Chance is small, but Paris likely didn't expect it either'

While Belgium has not experienced the devastating wildfires seen in regions like Bordeaux, experts caution against complacency. The country's natural areas are smaller and more fragmented by roads and settlements, which aids in quicker emergency response and limits the scale of potential fires. Unlike the vast, arid landscapes of southern Europe, Belgian natural fires typically remain in the undergrowth, though experts note that once flames reach treetops, they become extremely difficult to control.

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The chance is small, but in Paris they probably also did not expect it.

The largest recorded wildfire in Belgium occurred in 2011 in the High Fens, destroying 1,300 hectares over two days. While significant, this is a fraction of the damage seen in France, where fires have consumed tens of thousands of hectares and forced mass evacuations. Experts like Professor Jan Baetens from Ghent University emphasize that meteorological conditions in France and Spain have been more extreme recently, with higher temperatures and prolonged drought.

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In France and Spain, it was still of a different order in recent weeks.

Despite the lower risk, Belgium is enhancing its preparedness by acquiring new firefighting equipment and conducting training. However, the crucial element remains public awareness. Experts highlight that human negligence, such as carelessness with barbecues or campfires, is responsible for approximately 90% of all fires. Therefore, fostering a culture of caution and responsibility is paramount to preventing even small incidents from escalating.

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The temperatures and the drought were even more extreme than in Belgium.