Over the past weekend, hundreds of firefighters from Belgium, Germany and Luxembourg battled a devastating wildfire in the High Fens nature park.
While the fire is expected to be under control relatively soon, dampening-down operations are projected to continue for several days. The fire has scorched roughly 3,000 hectares of highly flammable peat bogs and forests, which were at risk due to the continued drought. It is considered the largest wildfire in history within Belgium's borders.
A wildfire in 1911, nicknamed 'Dante's Inferno', raged on the Belgian-Prussian border. It is estimated to have destroyed up to 3,900 hectares in total.
Firefighters in action as a fire rages in the Hautes Fagnes (High Fens) nature reserve, on Monday 17 August 2026. The municipality of Baelen said its forest is closely linked to the High Fens. Credit: Belga/Images VHP/Handout
A firefighter talks to the press as the fire rages in the Hautes Fagnes. Credit: Belga/Nicolas Lambert
The fire broke out in the Liege province, near the town of Baelen, and spread through the High Fens nature park.
Due to the wind changing direction multiple times on Saturday, the fire managed to spread rapidly. The remoteness of the fire has made it hard for fire trucks to reach, with local farmers stepping in to supply water.
Firefighters in action on the scene of a fire rages in the Hautes Fagnes (High Fens). Credit: Belga/Romain Rixhon
Firemen in action as a fire rages in the Hautes Fagnes (High Fens). Credit: Belga/Images VHP
As the fire burns near the borders with Germany and Luxembourg, the countries are assisting with fighting the wildfire. The Netherlands have sent two Chinook helicopters, which are able to dump large amounts of water on the flames.
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Combating the fires is further complicated by the soil, as the peat burns partially underground. Peat forms in swamps as water blocks oxygen from dead plants.
Instead of rotting, the plants form a fibrous mud, which is highly flammable when it dries. Historically, peat was used as a fuel for domestic and industrial fires.
Firefighters in action on the scene of a fire rages in the Hautes Fagnes (High Fens) nature reserve. Credit: Belga/Romain Rixhon
Emergency services pictured as a fire rages in the Hautes Fagnes (High Fens) nature reserve. Credit: Belga/Nicolas Lambert
Firefighters in action as a fire rages in the Hautes Fagnes (High Fens) nature reserve, on Monday 17 August 2026. The fire started on 14 August and 2700 hectares out of a total of 4500 are impacted. Credit: Belga/Images VHP/Handout
Emergency services pictured as a fire rages in the Hautes Fagnes (High Fens) nature reserve. Credit: Belga/Nicolas Lambert
Emergency services pictured as a fire rages in the Hautes Fagnes (High Fens) nature reserve. Credit: Belga/Nicolas Lambert
Firefighters in action on the scene of a fire raging in the Hautes Fagnes (High Fens) nature reserve, on Sunday 16 August 2026 in Waimes. Credit: Belga/Romain Rixhon
