Belgium battles its biggest wildfire on record

Belgium is battling its largest recorded wildfire after flames swept through thousands of hectares of the High Fens nature reserve near the German border. Rainfall on Monday offered firefighters fresh hope of bringing the blaze under control.

The fire has burned around 3,000 hectares of heathland and peat bogs in eastern Belgium, according to authorities cited by Reuters.

Around 500 firefighters have been involved in the operation, supported by soldiers, farmers and firefighting aircraft provided through the European Union.

Rain brings relief to firefighters

Rain began falling in the affected area on Monday, August 17, helping crews tackling the fire after days of difficult conditions.

Firefighters have faced particular challenges because flames have penetrated deep into peat deposits. Officials warned that underground fires could continue smouldering for weeks or even months, despite the situation improving above ground.

The blaze has also threatened areas close to Belgium's border with Germany.

Local authorities have urged people to stay away from the High Fens while emergency operations continue.

Wildfires hit countries across Europe

Belgium's fire comes during another damaging wildfire season across Europe.

Reuters reported that around 576,000 hectares had been burned across the continent this year, while more than 20 people have died and hundreds of thousands have been forced from their homes.

Greece, Spain, Portugal, France and Croatia are among the countries that have faced serious fires.

European countries have been sharing firefighting resources as national services struggle with multiple outbreaks during periods of hot and dry weather.

Aircraft, helicopters and specialist firefighting teams have been deployed across borders through the EU's emergency assistance arrangements.

Peat fires could continue for months

Belgium's High Fens is an environmentally important area containing extensive peat bogs, heathland and forests.

The nature of the terrain has complicated firefighting efforts, with peat capable of continuing to burn beneath the surface even after visible flames have been extinguished.

Authorities will therefore need to continue monitoring the affected area after the immediate wildfire threat has passed.

For travellers in affected parts of Europe, wildfire conditions can lead to road closures, evacuations and disruption to access to national parks and rural areas.

18 August 2026