International reinforcements aid firefighters battling Hautes Fagnes blaze

The battle against the extensive fire in the Hautes Fagnes continues, with the situation remaining complex 15 days after it first ignited. Firefighters are facing persistent difficulties, particularly along the northern and eastern fronts of the blaze.

Strong southwesterly winds, gusting between 40 to 50 km/h, are significantly contributing to the fire's resurgence and spread. These conditions demand constant vigilance from the emergency services managing the incident. The sustained intensity of the fire underscores the challenging environment in which the firefighters are operating.

To support the ongoing efforts and ensure the Belgian crews can adhere to their required rest periods, international assistance has been mobilized. A helicopter from the German police was deployed on Saturday and is expected to continue its mission through Sunday. This deployment allows Belgian teams to rotate and recover, maintaining operational capacity.

Favorable weather conditions have also permitted the resumption of aerial operations. The use of helicopters is crucial for tackling the fire in difficult-to-reach areas and for monitoring its progression. The combined efforts of Belgian and international teams highlight the scale of the disaster and the collaborative approach needed to combat it.