Rains aid containment of major Belgium wildfire in High Fens

Firefighters are still battling one of Belgium’s most destructive wildfires, which has scorched an area roughly the size of half Manhattan near the German border. The blaze, which erupted in the early summer, has spread across dense forest and rural farmland, creating a massive smoke plume that has been visible from the capital.

Heavy rains and cooler temperatures that began last week are beginning to slow the fire’s advance, allowing crews to establish containment lines and protect nearby villages. Despite the weather assistance, the fire remains active, with teams working around the clock to prevent it from reaching the border towns and to safeguard wildlife habitats. The incident has prompted a coordinated response from local fire services, the Belgian military, and cross‑border partners in Germany.

While the exact extent of damage is still being assessed, authorities report that the fire has already destroyed several hectares of forest and damaged a handful of homes. As the weather improves, officials expect the situation to stabilize, but they remain cautious, urging residents in the surrounding area to stay alert and to follow evacuation orders if issued.