Belgium faced a massive wildfire that continued to burn out of control despite cooler weather and rain providing some relief for firefighters. A fire ranger mentioned that the blaze could persist for months underground in peaty soil and sporadically reignite. The scorching and dry summer in Europe, exacerbated by climate change according to a recent study, has worsened the situation.
King Philippe of Belgium interrupted his summer vacation to visit emergency services combating the wildfire in the eastern High Fens, near the German border. The fire, which spread into a pine forest, has scorched approximately 30 square kilometers, leaving charred trees and smoldering ground. Although the fire did not grow significantly, it remained uncontained in areas inaccessible to ground crews, as per the Wallonia region’s update.
Some 500 firefighters, assisted by aircraft from Norway, Sweden, Germany, and the Netherlands, alongside local police drones, worked tirelessly after a cold front brought overnight rain. Farmers also pitched in by supplying water to aid firefighting efforts. Despite the rain helping to contain the blaze, a spokesperson for Wallonia public services mentioned that the fire was still active in some inaccessible areas.
In Greece, a fire near the main airport on the outskirts of Athens was swiftly extinguished, while a separate blaze on the island of Salamina resulted in casualties and property destruction. Additionally, a man was arrested on arson charges for allegedly starting a fire in Kavala. In France, a fire in the Landes region was finally under control after days of battling, allowing evacuated residents to return home. French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced financial aid for affected regions to aid in recovery efforts.
In Croatia, four individuals were suspected of deliberately starting multiple fires in the Zadar area, with police investigating the extent of the damage caused. These incidents highlight the widespread impact of wildfires across Europe amid extreme heat conditions.