Belgium Seeks Air Support as Wildfire Spreads

Firefighters battling Belgium’s largest modern-day wildfire rely on vital European air support as the blaze tripled in size to 3,000 hectares (7,500 acres) in the High Fens nature reserve near the German border.

Over 250 emergency personnel fought the fire overnight Sunday amid severe heat and drought conditions, which generated thick smoke and forced evacuations in two nearby villages.

Changing wind directions and difficult peatland terrain continue to hinder ground crews, though no homes have suffered damage.

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Belgian and German firefighters depend heavily on aerial assistance to reach inaccessible fronts across the fragile ecosystem.

Belgian police and Dutch aircraft drew water from neighbouring lakes on Sunday morning, while Swedish water-bombing planes and Czech helicopters deployed via the European Union’s civil protection mechanism.

Belgium seeks air support as wildfire spreads (News Central TV) — Belgium seeks air support as wildfire spreads. Credit: Al Jazeera

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever publicly thanked European partners for sending emergency aid, while local authorities commended local farmers who provided personal water tankers to support ground operations.

Des incendies touchent les Hautes Fagnes depuis vendredi. Je tiens à saluer le travail remarquable de toutes les équipes mobilisées sur le terrain, venues des quatre coins du pays pour combattre les flammes. Merci également à nos partenaires européens pour l’aide qu’ils nous…

— Bart De Wever (@Bart_DeWever) August 16, 2026

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Abisoye Adeyiga

Abisoye Adedoyin Adeyiga holds a PhD in Languages and Media Studies and a Master’s in Education (English Language). Trained in digital marketing and investigative journalism, she is passionate about new media’s transformative power. She enjoys reading, traveling, and meaningful conversations.