Belgium faced a severe wildfire that raged uncontrollably despite better firefighting conditions due to cooler weather and rain. At the same time, a fire erupted briefly near Athens’ main airport in Greece. The scorching and dry European summer has been attributed to climate change, according to recent research.
King Philippe of Belgium interrupted his summer break to visit emergency responders combating the wildfire in the eastern High Fens region. The fire, which moved into a pine forest on Sunday, has scorched approximately 30 square kilometers in Liège province, leaving charred trees and smoldering earth. Firefighters, with support from aircraft dispatched from Norway, Sweden, Germany, and the Netherlands, alongside local police and drones, worked tirelessly to contain the blaze after a much-needed cold front brought rain overnight.
“We managed to keep the fire under control where the firefighters are stationed, but there is still an inaccessible area where the fire continues towards Monschau in Germany,” reported Nicolas Yernaux, spokesperson for the Wallonia regional public services. While the overnight rain helped limit the fire and reduce the risk of reignition, it did not significantly impact the core of the blaze.
Tourists have evacuated the region, leading to cancellations, as Thomas van Sante, the owner of Mont Dragon hotel near the affected area, highlighted the insufficient rain’s impact. Precautionary evacuation orders remained in place for hundreds of residents on Monday.
In Greece, investigators from the fire department assessed the aftermath of a rapid wildfire on Salamina Island that claimed two lives, injured nine individuals, and destroyed several homes. The fire near the main Athens airport in Spata was swiftly contained with the assistance of firefighters, water-dropping planes, and helicopters. Meanwhile, an 80-year-old man was arrested in Kavala on arson charges for allegedly starting a fire deliberately in dry vegetation.
In France, authorities announced that a fire in the Landes region was now under control after a four-day battle, allowing half of the evacuated residents to return home. The fire, which consumed about 17 square kilometers during intense heat, brought relief as temperatures began to decrease.
Overall, wildfires continue to pose a threat across Europe, with authorities remaining vigilant amid the challenging summer conditions.
