One of the largest wildfires in Belgium raged uncontrollably on Monday, despite cooler weather and rain aiding firefighting efforts. Simultaneously, a fire briefly erupted near the main airport on the outskirts of Athens, Greece.
Belgium’s wildfire, located in the eastern High Fens region, may persist for months underground in peaty soil, occasionally reigniting, as stated by a fire ranger. This wildfire occurrence in Belgium is amidst Europe experiencing one of its hottest and driest summers, attributed to climate change.
King Philippe of Belgium interrupted his summer holiday to visit emergency services combating the wildfire, which has scorched an estimated 30 square kilometers in the Liège province. The fire, spreading into a pine forest and leaving charred trees and smoldering ground, did not significantly expand due to favorable winds but remained uncontrolled in inaccessible areas, according to the Wallonia region.
Approximately 500 firefighters, alongside aircraft from Norway, Sweden, Germany, and the Netherlands, and local police drones, battled the blaze. A forest ranger mentioned to The Associated Press that the fire could persist underground for months due to the peaty soil, potentially flaring up again. Precautionary evacuation orders were in place for numerous residents affected by the wildfire.
In Greece, a wildfire near Salamina Island led to two fatalities, nine injuries, and the destruction of several homes. Firefighters swiftly contained a new wildfire in Spata, east of Athens, aided by water-dropping planes and helicopters. Meanwhile, an 80-year-old man was arrested in Kavala on arson charges, marking one of 302 fire-related arrests in Greece this year.
In southwestern France, a fire in the Landes region was brought under control after evacuating over 600 residents during a prolonged heatwave. French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced a 12 million-euro aid package to help rebuild homes and support affected businesses in the wildfire-impacted regions.
Amidst the wildfire challenges across Europe, Croatia saw four individuals suspected of deliberately starting multiple fires near Zadar. The suspects, arrested following a tip-off, face allegations of endangering lives and property. Police in Croatia are evaluating the extent of the damages caused by these suspected arson incidents.
