Belgium Wildfire Update: Earlier this week, a powerful wildfire broke out in Eastern Belgium. Now, it has burned nearly 1600 hectares & become the country’s biggest ever recorded wildfire.
Belgium Wildfire Update: Wildfire in High Fens Burns Through 1600 Hectares
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.
Now, it has burned through nearly 1600 hectares & made history as the biggest ever recorded wildfire in Belgium. The concerning update was shared by the provincial governor of Liège.
Subsequently, the European Union sent aid to the country & deployed three helicopters and two water-bomber aircrafts to help manage the fast-moving wildfire.
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 wildfire was caused 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: 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.
