Belgium Wildfire Update: Firefighting Crews Make Progress in Containment of High Fens Wildfire Post Rain; Nearby German Towns to Remain on High Alert

Belgium Wildfire Update: Today, firefighting crews battling the High Fens wildfire in Belgium progressed in rescue efforts after rain brought relief. Previously, the country’s monarch King Philippe paid an unexpected visit to the zones affected by the blaze that torched nearly 3000 hectares

Belgium Wildfire Update: Firefighting Crews Make Progress in Containment of High Fens Wildfire Post Rain

Firefighting crews in East Belgium have stalled the fire’s dangerous eastward expansion after rain and a much needed temperature drop. However, rescue operations will persist with close to 500 firefighters deployed at the site currently. 

Close to 40 firefighters from neighbouring Germany, which also lent emergency crews previously joined the ongoing rescue operation today. The Belgium-Germany border is located close to Liège province & German authorities have put out evacuation orders for residents in some of the border towns like Monchau out of precaution.

Belgium Wildfire Update: King Philippe’s Suprise Visits to Area Affected by High Fens Wildfire

Belgium’s King Philippe interrupted his summer vacation recently, to check in with the emergency crews battling the ongoing Hautes Fagnes (High Fens) wildfire. Bypassing multiple protocols, the 66-year-old monarch traveled directly to Sourbrodt, one of the villages directly affected by the blaze. 

The King personally thanked the more than 500 emergency responders, local volunteers, and military personnel who have been working around the clock to contain the blaze. Images of his visit were shared by the Belgian Royal Palace on social media.   

Belgium Wildfire: Cause of the Wildfire 

An official cause of the wildfire in Eastern Belgium has not been shared yet. But local authorities believe that the disaster was created by a combination of extreme heatwaves, an extreme lack of moisture and human activity. Belgium is currently facing its fifth major summer heatwave with high temperatures reaching near 37°Celsius (98.6°F) . 

Belgium Wildfire: List of Affected Areas 

The wildfire in Eastern Belgium has affected the following areas:

• Fagne des Deux-Séries 

• High Fens Nature Reserve  

• Baelen 

• Sourbrodt village 

• Eupen 

• Malmedy 

• Waimes 

Belgium Wildfire: Local Authorities Response 

Local authorities in Eastern Belgium have launched a massive rescue operation to douse the wildfire. The Governor of Liège province has officially triggered the Provincial Emergency Plan. Road blocks have been put in place around Malmedy, Waimes, and Baelen for safety purposes. 

The Belgian Ministry of Defence deployed heavy Panther fire engines from local military air bases to support the rescue efforts & Belgium’s neighbouring country Germany, has also sent some firefighters. Massive pumping lines have been set up to draw water directly from Lake Robertville and Lake Bütgenbach to feed the fire hoses. Residents of Eupen, Sourbrodt, and other affected towns (and villages) must keep all doors and windows closed, turn off ventilation & also stay away from the roads.