The area affected by a wildfire that began on August 14 in the High Fens nature reserve in eastern Belgium has exceeded 2,700 hectares. According to the Wallonia government’s update at 8 a.m. on August 16, several fire pockets remained active, while the defensive line protecting evacuated areas was holding. Authorities said evacuated residents could not yet return home.
More than 250 responders worked overnight
The official update said more than 100 Belgian and German firefighters, around 70 police officers, 20 civil protection personnel, 40 military personnel, and medical and psychosocial support teams remained deployed during the second night. Staff from the Department of Nature and Forests and local farmers also supported the response. More than 250 responders and about 50 vehicles were involved overnight.
About 20 evacuees spent the night at a reception center in Malmedy. Authorities said no homes had been affected at that stage, but the fire remained close to residential areas and heavy smoke continued. They did not give a time for residents to return.
Aircraft return to the operation
Helicopters operated by the Belgian Federal Police and the Netherlands resumed work after sunrise. Wallonia’s statement said the eastern front was difficult or sometimes impossible to reach with ground vehicles, making aerial support particularly important. Tourist activities on Lake Robertville were restricted and boats were prohibited so helicopters could collect water.
Reuters reported that European Union assistance included three helicopters and two water-bombing aircraft sent to Belgium. Teams from Germany and Luxembourg also joined Belgian responders. Deutsche Welle’s August 16 report likewise said international aerial and ground support was continuing.
Changing winds complicate the response
The Wallonia government said winds were weak overnight but changed direction several times, forcing teams to adjust their deployment continuously. Multiple fire pockets were still active at 8 a.m. Authorities did not publish a containment percentage, so the fire should not be described as fully contained.
Reuters reported on August 15 that the affected area had reached 2,700 hectares and that the incident was Belgium’s largest recorded wildfire. The comparison was based on European Forest Fire Information System data. Wallonia’s August 16 update also confirmed that more than 2,700 hectares had been affected.
Public safety instructions
Authorities asked people not to enter the fire zone, to respect roadblocks and to avoid obstructing emergency vehicles. Residents affected by smoke or odor were advised to close doors and windows. Wallonia also said emergency lines should remain available for urgent incidents and that visible flames or a newly observed fire pocket should be reported immediately.
Because conditions continue to change, new figures on the burned area, evacuation decisions and road access should be verified through official channels. This report reflects the official operational update available on the morning of August 16.
