A massive wildfire in Belgium continued to burn unchecked on Monday despite improved weather conditions and rain aiding firefighting efforts. In Greece, a fire near the main airport in Athens briefly flared up.
The wildfire in Belgium, located in the eastern High Fens area near the German border, has scorched an estimated 30 square kilometers of land. The fire, now spreading into a pine forest, is expected to persist underground in peaty soil and may sporadically reignite, as mentioned by a fire ranger.
Europe is currently experiencing one of its hottest and driest summers on record, with climate change exacerbating the situation. King Philippe of Belgium interrupted his summer vacation to visit the emergency services battling the wildfire. Despite the fire not significantly expanding, it remains uncontrolled in remote areas inaccessible to ground crews, as reported by the Wallonia region.
Over 500 firefighters, supported by aircraft from Norway, Sweden, Germany, and the Netherlands, along with local police drones, are combating the blaze. Farmers are assisting by providing water supplies, while helicopters are dropping water over the affected areas.
In Greece, investigators are examining the aftermath of a wildfire on Salamina Island that claimed two lives and destroyed homes. Additionally, a new fire erupted near Athens but was swiftly contained by firefighters. An 80-year-old man was arrested in Kavala for allegedly starting a fire deliberately.
In France, a fire in the Landes region has been brought under control after displacing over 600 residents for four days. French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced a 12 million-euro aid package to assist affected regions in rebuilding homes and supporting businesses impacted by the wildfires.
Amid these wildfires, Croatia is investigating four individuals suspected of starting multiple fires near Zadar. The suspects, apprehended following a tip-off, are believed to have endangered lives and property intentionally. Police are evaluating the extent of the damage caused.
Tourists have evacuated the affected regions in Belgium, and precautionary evacuation orders remain in place for residents. The fires in Europe underscore the urgent need for enhanced wildfire prevention measures amidst the ongoing heatwave and dry conditions.