Belgium Wildfire Update: Belgium’s King Philippe recently paid an unexpected visit to the zones affected by the blaze that torched nearly 1600 hectares. The fire broke out in the High Fens nature reserve last week.
Belgium Wildfire Update: King Philippe Visits Area Affected by High Fens Wildfire
Belgium’s King Philippe interrupted his summer vacation on August 17, 2026, to check in with the emergency crews battling the ongoing Hautes Fagnes (High Fens) wildfire. Bypassing multiple protocols, the 66-year-old monarch travelled 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 Update: What Happened in High Fens Nature Reserve?
On August 13, 2026 a wildfire erupted in High Fens, Belgium’s biggest nature reserve. According to reports, it started in the Fagne des Deux-Séries area near the town of Baelen in the eastern province of Liège. On Saturday (August 14, 2026), it remained at 0% containment & instead worsened.
Then, it burned through nearly 1600 hectares & made history as the biggest ever recorded wildfire in Belgium as shared by the provincial governor of Liège. According to the latest figures, the wildfire has burned through 3,000 to 3,800 hectares (over 30 square kilometres) of protected peatlands and pine forests. Some reports suggest that it has even put the nearby German border on high risk. It is highly likely that more crews will be deployed to support the ongoing rescue operation in Liège.
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:
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Fagne des Deux-Séries
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High Fens Nature Reserve
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Baelen
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Sourbrodt village
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Eupen
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Malmedy
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Waimes
Belgium Wildfire Update: What’s the Current Status?
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. The European Union also sent aid to the country & deployed three helicopters and two water-bomber aircraft to help manage the fast moving wildfire. Evacuation alerts in the region will likely remain in place until further notice.
