A massive wildfire in Belgium's High Fens nature reserve has doubled in size over the past three days, as hundreds of firefighters battle to contain what officials describe as the country's largest blaze in a century. The escalating inferno near Liège threatens a critical ecological zone.

The blaze, now on its third day, has prompted a major response from Belgian emergency services. Its rapid expansion underscores the challenges faced by authorities in protecting vulnerable natural habitats amid increasingly frequent and intense heatwaves across Europe.

Historic Blaze Engulfs High Fens

The blaze near Liège threatens a critical ecological zone.

The High Fens, a sprawling wetland and forest area, is Belgium's largest nature reserve and a site of significant biodiversity. Flames have torn through vast swathes of the protected landscape, consuming ancient peat bogs and dense woodland.

Reports from the scene indicate a concerted effort by both Belgian and multinational forces, including local farmers, to establish firebreaks and douse the advancing flames. The scale of the operation reflects the historical significance of the fire, unprecedented in Belgium for a hundred years.

belgium high fens wildfire smoke

Europe Grapples with Summer Fires

The Belgian crisis unfolds as other parts of Europe also contend with devastating wildfires. On Sunday, two elderly residents died on the Greek island of Salamis, near Athens, after being trapped by a fast-moving blaze.

Greece's coastguard confirmed the fatalities in the Peristeria beach area of Salamis, where more than 500 people were ordered to evacuate their homes. The events in Belgium and Greece highlight a recurring pattern of summer wildfires amplified by arid conditions and high temperatures across the continent.

Environmental Impact and Future Outlook

The long-term ecological impact on the High Fens reserve is expected to be severe, with environmentalists warning of decades required for recovery. Peat fires, in particular, can smoulder underground for extended periods, releasing significant carbon emissions and posing a continuous challenge to firefighters.

While efforts continue to bring the Belgian wildfire under control, the broader implications for Europe's natural defences against climate-induced disasters are drawing renewed scrutiny. The current heatwave is expected to continue across parts of Western Europe this week.