Wind‑Driven Blaze Continues to Consume Hundreds of Hectares in Eastern Belgium

The blaze that started on Friday at approximately 2 p.m. in Belgium’s eastern High Fence zone has continued to ravage the landscape, driven by persistent gusts that have made containment a steep challenge. Over 2,000 hectares of vegetation have turned to ash, setting a new national record for area burned in a single incident. Emergency services have mobilized three helicopters and three Panther fire‑fighting vehicles to the front line, while multinational support includes a Czech firefighting helicopter and two Swedish firefighting aircraft. Residents of adjacent municipalities were advised to stay indoors, although officials indicated no immediate need for full evacuation of the Saurbroadt district.