A massive wildfire in Belgium continued to burn uncontrollably on Monday despite more favorable weather conditions and rainfall aiding firefighting efforts. In Greece, a fire briefly erupted near Athens’ main airport.
The Belgian wildfire, situated in the eastern High Fens region, was expected to persist for months due to its spread into peaty soil, allowing for sporadic flare-ups, as reported by a fire ranger. The scorching and dry European summer, exacerbated by climate change according to recent studies, has contributed to challenging conditions across the continent.
King Philippe of Belgium interrupted his vacation to visit emergency personnel combating the blaze, which has charred an estimated 30 square kilometers of land, leaving behind charred trees and smoldering ground. Despite the fire not significantly growing, it remained uncontained in inaccessible areas, as stated by the Wallonia region.
Over 500 firefighters, supported by aircraft from Norway, Sweden, Germany, and the Netherlands, alongside local police with drones, battled the flames. Farmers also assisted by providing water for firefighting operations, with helicopters dropping large amounts of water over the affected areas.
In Greece, a wildfire on Salamina Island resulted in casualties and property damage, while firefighters swiftly contained a new blaze near Athens’ airport. Furthermore, an elderly man was arrested on arson charges in Kavala as part of ongoing efforts to combat intentional fire-starting incidents.
In France, a wildfire in the Landes region was finally under control after days of intense firefighting. The government pledged financial assistance to affected regions for rebuilding homes and supporting businesses impacted by the wildfires. Additionally, in Croatia, authorities arrested four individuals suspected of starting multiple fires near Zadar for unknown reasons.
Tourists evacuated affected regions in Belgium and France, highlighting the severity of the ongoing wildfires and the need for continued vigilance and firefighting efforts across Europe.