Belgium is facing a significant wildfire that continues to burn uncontrollably, with cooler weather providing some relief to firefighters. In Greece, a fire near Athens briefly flared up close to the main airport. The Belgian wildfire is expected to persist underground in peaty soil for several months, occasionally reigniting, as stated by a fire ranger. Europe is currently experiencing one of its hottest and driest summers on record, attributed to climate change.
King Philippe of Belgium interrupted his summer vacation to visit emergency services combatting the wildfire in the eastern High Fens region. The fire has scorched an estimated 30 square kilometers of land in Liège province, leaving behind charred trees and smoldering terrain. Although the fire has not significantly grown, it remains uncontained in inaccessible areas, according to the Wallonia region.
Around 500 firefighters, supported by aircraft from Norway, Sweden, Germany, and the Netherlands, along with local police drones, are battling the blaze. Farmers are assisting by providing water for firefighting efforts, with helicopters dousing the flames with water as smoke engulfs the forests. A forest ranger mentioned that the fire could continue burning underground for an extended period due to the peaty soil.
In Greece, a wildfire on the island of Salamina resulted in two fatalities, nine injuries, and the destruction of several homes. Additional wildfires erupted in Spata, east of Athens, but were swiftly contained. An 80-year-old man was arrested in Kavala on suspicion of starting a fire deliberately. In southwestern France, a fire in the Landes region has been brought under control after displacing over 600 residents during a period of extreme heat.
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced a 12 million-euro aid package to support the regions most affected by wildfires. In Croatia, four individuals are suspected of igniting multiple fires near Zadar, a popular tourist destination, with investigations ongoing to assess the damage caused.