Massive Belgian Wildfire Doubles in Size, Becomes Country's Largest Ever

A devastating wildfire in eastern Belgium has consumed roughly 3,000 hectares of the Hautes Fagnes nature reserve, near the German border. This blaze is now the largest wildfire ever recorded in the country.

The fire's intensity grew dramatically, more than doubling in size within a single day. This rapid expansion forced authorities to order the evacuation of approximately 600 residents and tourists from the affected areas in the municipalities of Waimes and Bütgenbach. A local sports hall has been opened to accommodate those displaced.

Over 250 individuals, comprising firefighters from both Belgium and Germany, police, military personnel, and civil defense units, are engaged in the demanding firefighting operation. Aerial support from Belgian police and Dutch helicopters is also assisting the ground crews. The challenging terrain, characterized by difficult access and extensive marshland, complicates efforts to contain the blaze, which has shifted direction multiple times due to changing winds.

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There is nothing to indicate that the fire will cross the border.