A massive wildfire in Belgium continued to burn uncontrollably on Monday, despite more favorable weather conditions for firefighters. Meanwhile, in Greece, a fire briefly erupted near the main airport on the outskirts of Athens.
Belgium’s wildfire, located in the eastern High Fens region, is expected to persist for an extended period due to the peaty soil, allowing flames to sporadically reignite. The scorching heat and drought in Europe, exacerbated by climate change according to recent studies, have worsened wildfire risks.
King Philippe of Belgium interrupted his summer vacation to visit the emergency services battling the blaze, which has scorched an estimated 30 square kilometers of land in Liège province. While the fire did not significantly expand thanks to favorable winds, it remains uncontrolled in inaccessible areas.
Over 500 firefighters, supported by aircraft from neighboring countries and local police drones, are combating the blaze following overnight rain. Despite containment efforts, a spokesperson mentioned a challenging area near the German border where the fire persists below the surface.
In Greece, investigators examined the aftermath of a deadly wildfire on the island of Salamina, where two fatalities occurred. New fires erupted near Athens but were swiftly contained. Notably, an 80-year-old man was arrested for suspected arson in another area.
In southwestern France, a fire in the Landes region has been subdued after days of intense firefighting. Efforts are underway to assist affected residents and businesses, with the government pledging financial aid for reconstruction.
The impact of wildfires across Europe continues to raise concerns, with incidents of suspected arson reported in Croatia. Authorities are investigating individuals believed to have deliberately started multiple fires in the Zadar region, prompting calls for preventive measures.