Flames sweep the High Fens
A wildfire in Belgium's High Fens National Park has become the nation's worst ecological disaster, officials said Monday. The blaze has burned through thousands of hectares of protected moorland and peat bogs near the German border. Firefighter spokespeople described the damage as catastrophic for one of the country's most fragile ecosystems.
The High Fens is the largest nature reserve in Belgium and a popular destination for hikers. Its peat bogs store large amounts of carbon and host rare plants and wildlife. Officials said the fire has destroyed habitat that will take decades to recover.
Containment, but no return yet
Fire crews said the fire is partly contained and is no longer spreading toward Germany. Hundreds of firefighters, supported by helicopters and water-dropping aircraft, have been working for days to control the flames. Evacuated residents have not yet been allowed to return to their homes.
The fire is the latest in a string of blazes across Europe this summer. Record heat has dried out forests and moorlands from Portugal to Poland, and several countries are still battling active fires.
Government response
Belgian authorities have promised aid for affected communities and an investigation into the fire's cause. In neighboring France, the government has announced tax breaks for companies affected by wildfires. Officials across the region say hotter, drier summers are making such fires more frequent and harder to fight.
Climate researchers warn that Europe's fire season is now starting earlier and lasting longer. They say investment in fire prevention, early warning systems and resilient landscapes will be needed to limit future damage.