A wildfire in the Kloese Forest, located in Gelrode, a district of Aarschot in Flemish Brabant, was brought under control on Saturday morning.
The fire ignited on Friday afternoon in a difficult-to-reach heathland area. Firefighters worked throughout the night to extinguish remnants, and the fire service continues to monitor the situation closely.
Due to the challenging access to the fire’s origin, a federal police helicopter was deployed. It collected water from the Demer River, which was then dropped over the fire zone to contain the flames quickly.
No homes or individuals were at risk, but the fire spread rapidly due to the dry ground. The public prosecutor suggests that the fire was likely unintentional. “Glass shards and remnants of a barbecue were found near the site, but it’s unclear if these were the direct cause,” stated Bart Van Thienen, police chief of Aarschot. “We urge hikers and visitors to be extremely cautious in forests and parks. Please ensure no litter is left behind. Glass fragments can start fires in sunlight, especially during dry periods like this.”
The fire service will continue to monitor the area closely over the weekend.
