Belgium is currently battling one of its largest wildfires ever, with the blaze continuing to spread despite cooler weather and rain providing some relief for firefighters. Meanwhile, in Greece, a fire briefly erupted close to the main airport on the outskirts of Athens.
The wildfire in Belgium is anticipated to persist for an extended period underground in peaty soil, occasionally flaring up, as indicated by a fire ranger. Europe is experiencing extreme heat and dryness this summer, attributed to climate change according to a recent study.
King Philippe of Belgium interrupted his summer break to visit emergency services combatting the wildfire in the eastern High Fens region, approximately eight kilometers from the German border. The fire, which advanced into a pine forest on Sunday, has scorched around 30 square kilometers in Liège province, leaving charred trees and smoldering terrain.
Although the fire did not significantly grow, it remains uncontained in areas inaccessible to ground crews, reported the Wallonia region. Around 500 firefighters, supported by aircraft from Norway, Sweden, Germany, and the Netherlands, along with local police drones, are involved in the firefighting efforts following overnight rain.
Farmers are assisting in supplying water for the firefighting operations, while helicopters are dropping large water sacks over the flames in forested areas. Nicolas Yernaux, the spokesperson for Wallonia regional public services, mentioned that despite overnight rains aiding in controlling the blaze, there are still inaccessible areas where the fire continues towards Monschau in Germany.
Yves Pieper, a forest ranger, explained that the fire could persist underground for months due to the peaty soil, potentially smoldering unseen for an extended period before flaring up again. The evacuation orders for hundreds of residents remain in effect as the region grapples with the aftermath of the wildfire.
In Greece, fire department investigators are examining the aftermath of a fast-moving wildfire on the island of Salamina, west of the Greek capital, which resulted in casualties and property damage. Meanwhile, new wildfires have emerged in different locations, including a fire near Athens that was swiftly contained.
In southwestern France, a fire in the Landes region has been brought under control after several days of firefighting efforts, allowing evacuated residents to begin returning home. The French Prime Minister announced financial aid to support the affected regions in rebuilding homes and assisting businesses impacted by the wildfires.
As wildfires continue to pose a threat across Europe, officials are emphasizing the need for preventative measures to curb the spread of fires. In Croatia, authorities are investigating suspected arson cases linked to multiple fires in the Zadar region, a popular tourism destination on the Adriatic coast.
