Hautes Fagnes Fire: Firefighters Still Mobilized Over a Week After Blaze Began

Firefighters remain on the front lines in the Hautes Fagnes nature reserve, over a week after a fire ignited and scorched approximately 3,000 hectares. The ongoing operations, supported by the Belgian Defense Ministry's Panthers and the Civil Protection, concentrated on the active northern sector and the eastern front. Favorable weather conditions on Saturday allowed two Norwegian helicopters and a federal police helicopter to join the efforts, a welcome change from the previous evening. Despite the improving situation, public access is strictly prohibited due to lingering dangers and poor visibility in the affected areas. The public is warned that the absence of visible smoke does not mean the zones are secure.

During the day's operations, a notable event was the rescue of an injured roe deer. Firefighters discovered the male deer, suffering from multiple injuries, around 11 a.m. Animal rescue services were quickly alerted, and the Animal Rescue Team of the Vesdre-Hoëgne & Plateau emergency zone mobilized to provide initial care on-site. The deer was then transported to an accredited wildlife rehabilitation center for necessary treatment and monitoring.

Surveillance and extinguishing operations are set to continue through the night, with support from federal police drones and the Civil Protection. The fire's persistence underscores the challenges of managing such large-scale natural disasters, even as efforts to contain it and protect the unique ecosystem continue.

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Despite the favorable evolution of the situation, dangers persist in the affected areas and their lack of visibility does not mean they are secured.